ESAC is the lead institution for space science (astronomy, Solar System exploration and fundamental physics) using ESA missions.

It hosts the science operation centres for all ESA astronomy and planetary missions and their scientific data archives.

In addition to deep space and solar system exploration, ESAC hosts the data processing of SMOS, a satellite observing the Earth, and the CESAR educational programme.

The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex is also located nearby, operated by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial.

It is a station of the Deep Space Network used primarily for NASA missions, but sometimes supplements Cebreros in communicating with ESA spacecraft.