A method, apparatus and system for operating functions at mobile network nodes is provided. Locations of target devices to be serviced by network functions, and locations of moving network nodes potentially hosting the network functions are determined. The network functions are then caused to operate at one or more of the network nodes during a specified time. These network nodes are selected to be proximate to the target devices during the specified time. The selecting is based on locations of the target devices and on locations of the network nodes. A virtual function can be deployed on a satellite network in such a manner that the function stays close to a target device, even though the satellites may move out of overhead position.