> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rotastellar.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Sign up, create your first mission, build a plan, and deploy

# Getting Started with Mission Control

This guide walks you through your first satellite compute deployment — from sign-up to watching events roll in.

## 1. Create an Account

Go to [console.rotastellar.com](https://console.rotastellar.com) and sign up with your email. You'll receive a magic link — click it to log in. No password required.

## 2. Create a Mission

Missions group related satellite operations.

1. Click **Missions** in the sidebar
2. Click **New Mission**
3. Enter a name (e.g., "ISS ML Pipeline") and optional description
4. Click **Create**

## 3. Build a Plan

A plan is a complete execution schedule built by the [CAE engine](/cae/overview).

1. Open your mission and click **New Plan**
2. Search for a satellite by name or NORAD ID (e.g., "ISS" or "25544")
3. Choose a workload:
   * **Preset** — Select from 5 built-in workloads like [On-Board ML Inference](/cae/presets#on-board-ml-inference) or [Split Learning](/cae/presets#split-learning-pipeline)
   * **Custom** — Define your own step DAG with dependencies, resource requirements, and security policies
4. Click **Generate Plan**

The plan builder shows:

* **Timeline** — Step-by-step execution with orbital window scheduling
* **Placement** — Which steps run on-board vs on the ground
* **Transfers** — Ground station passes used for downlink/uplink
* **Error budget** — Delivery confidence based on link quality and FEC
* **Cost estimate** — Compute and transfer costs

## 4. Deploy

1. From the plan detail page, click **Deploy**
2. Choose a mode:
   * **Simulated** — Events are generated server-side. Adjust the speed multiplier (default: 100x).
   * **Live** — Requires a registered [Operator Agent](/agent/overview) on the target satellite.
3. Click **Deploy**

The deployment page shows a real-time event timeline as the execution progresses.

## 5. Create an API Key

To use the Agent SDK or call the Deploy API programmatically:

1. Go to **Developer > API Keys** in the sidebar
2. Click **Create Key**
3. Give it a name and copy the key (it won't be shown again)

Use the key in the `X-API-Key` header for API requests and agent authentication.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Missions & Plans" icon="rocket" href="/console/missions-and-plans">
    Deep dive into mission management and plan configuration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Agent Quickstart" icon="satellite" href="/agent/quickstart">
    Set up the Operator Agent for live deployments
  </Card>
</CardGroup>