Mission Control

Leads the flight control team. Flight has overall operational responsibility for missions and payload operations and for all decisions regarding safe, expedient mission operations. This person monitors the other Flight Controllers, remaining in constant verbal communication with them via intercom channels called “loops”.

The Space Shuttle Flight Director (callsign “FLIGHT”) held one of the most critical roles in a Shuttle mission, responsible for overseeing the entire mission’s operations and ensuring the safety and success of both the crew and the spacecraft. From the moment the countdown began until the Shuttle landed back on Earth, the Flight Director was at the helm, making real-time decisions based on the data received from various Flight Control teams. They coordinated with engineers, scientists, and astronauts, interpreting complex information and providing guidance on everything from launch trajectories and orbit insertion to re-entry and landing procedures. The Flight Director’s role requires a deep understanding of shuttle systems, mission objectives, and emergency protocols, as well as the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.

In addition to managing the Shuttle’s immediate operations, the Flight Director played a crucial role in long-term mission planning and preparation. They were also responsible for assessing and mitigating risks, ensuring all systems and backup plans are in place to handle unexpected situations. Ultimately, the Flight Director acted as the central point of command, synthesizing input from various experts and making the final call on critical decisions, thus playing a key role in the success and safety of each Space Shuttle mission.

A Space Shuttle CAPCOM, short for Capsule Communicator, serves as the primary communication link between the astronauts in space and Mission Control on Earth. This role is crucial for ensuring clear, accurate, and efficient communication throughout the mission. The CAPCOM is the only person authorized to speak directly to the crew in orbit, which helps to streamline the flow of information and reduce the potential for miscommunication. They relay instructions, updates, and advice from flight directors and other mission control specialists, providing astronauts with the support and guidance needed to perform their tasks. CAPCOMs must be familiar with the mission details, shuttle systems, and emergency procedures to accurately convey messages and assist in decision-making.

In addition to real-time communication during the mission, CAPCOMs play an essential role in mission planning and training. They work closely with flight directors, engineers, and astronauts during the preparation phase, participating in simulations and rehearsals to practice scenarios that may arise during the flight. CAPCOMs are often astronauts themselves or have undergone extensive training to understand the nuances of space missions and the needs of the crew. Their experience and knowledge allow them to serve as a trusted voice, offering reassurance and clarity to astronauts navigating the challenges of spaceflight. By ensuring smooth and effective communication, CAPCOMs contribute significantly to the overall safety and success of Space Shuttle missions.

Even though, beginning with the Shuttle Program, spacecraft were no longer “capsules”, the name CAPCOM was retained for both continuity and a continued nod to the history of the program.

The FDO, call sign “Fido,” plans all maneuvers and is responsible for the overall trajectory from launch, on-orbit operations, deorbit, entry, and landing. FDO monitors vehicle performance during the powered flight Ascent phase and assesses abort modes, calculates orbital maneuvers and resulting trajectories, and monitors vehicle flight profile and energy levels during re-entry.

Read more about the Flight Dynamics Officer, including what the FDO was looking at during Space Shuttle Missions.

The Trajectory Officer, callsign “TRAJ”, assists the FDO during missions. A FDO is always certified as a TRAJ in various phases (Ascent, Orbit, Deploy, Rendezvous, and Entry) before ever beginning training towards certification as a FDO. Often times a senior FDO will be assigned as a TRAJ for a first-time FDO in a particular phase for experience and support.

Depending on the phase of flight the mission is in, this console is either staffed by the Guidance and Procedures Officer (GPO), a specialist in the procedures related to flight, or the Rendezvous Procedures Officer (RNDZ), a specialist in orbital rendezvous procedures.

• GPO is responsible for monitoring the Shuttle guidance and navigation as well as execution of crew procedures, particularly for ascent abort situations.
• RNDZ is responsible for activities such as trajectory operations (in coordination with FDO) related to the rendezvous and docking/capture with another spacecraft, including the Mir space station, ISS, and satellites such as the Hubble Space Telescope.

GC ensures the MCC is functioning properly and coordinates outside data and communications traffic. GC also directs all maintenance and operation activities affecting Mission Control hardware, software, and support facilities. GC coordinates space flight tracking and data network, and Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system with Goddard Space Flight Center.

PROP monitors and evaluates reaction control thrusters and orbital maneuvering engines during all phases of flight, monitored fuel usage and propellant tank status and other consumables available for maneuvers, and calculated optimal sequences for thruster firings.

GNC monitors all vehicle guidance, navigation and control systems and was responsible for operating and monitoring the sensor system, which includes navigation sensors and associated software.  GNC was also responsible for flight control system hardware and software, which includes aero and reaction control system controls, digital autopilots, main engines, solid rocket boosters, and orbital maneuvering system thrust vector control with associated software.

DPS is responsible for the Space Shuttle data processing systems. This included monitoring the onboard General Purpose Computers (GPCs), flight-critical, launch and payload data buses, the Multi-function Electronic Display System (MEDS), Solid-State Mass Memory (SSMM) units, flight critical and payload Multiplexer/De-multiplexer (MDM) units, Master Timing Unit (MTU), Backup Flight Control (BFC) units and system-level software.

PAYLOADS coordinates onboard and ground system interfaces between the flight control team and payload user.

EECOM is responsible for the atmospheric pressure control and revitalization systems, the cooling systems (air, water, and freon), and the supply/waste water system. EECOM’s critical function was to maintain the systems, such as atmosphere and thermal control, that keep the crew alive.

EGIL monitors cryogenic levels for the fuel cells, electrical generation and distribution systems on the spacecraft, and vehicle lighting.

FAO plans and supports crew activities, checklists, procedures, schedules, attitude maneuvers, and timelines.  Coordinates implementation of the flight plan and develops alternate and flight plans, as required. Provides the capability to transfer data (text, graphics, and video) between a ground PC network and the orbiter laptops.

MMACS, call sign “Max”, monitors operation of the orbiter’s structural and mechanical system, monitoring auxiliary power units and hydraulic systems, managing payload bay door, external tank umbilical door, vent door, radiator deploy/stow, Ku-band antenna deploy/stow, and payload retention latch operations, landing gear/deceleration systems (landing gear deploy, tires, brakes/antiskid, and drag chute deploy), and monitoring the orbiter docking system. MMACS also followed use of onboard crew hardware and in-flight equipment maintenance.

INCO is responsible for all data, voice and video communications systems, including monitoring the configuration of in-flight communications and instrumentation systems. INCO monitors the telemetry link between the vehicle and the ground, and oversees the uplink command and control processes.

BOOSTER monitors and evaluates Space Shuttle Main Engine, Solid Rocket Booster, and External Tank performance during pre-launch and ascent phases of missions.

EVA is responsible for all spacesuit and spacewalking-related tasks, equipment and plans when the EVA took place from the Shuttle.

PDRS monitors operation of the Remote Manipulator System (RMS), aka the “robot arm” used for satellite and cargo deployment and retrieval.

RIO serves as the primary interface between the U.S. and Russian control teams.

PAO provides mission commentary to supplement and explain air-to-ground transmissions and flight control operations to the news media and the public. The individual filling this role is often referred to colloquially as The Voice of Mission Control.

SURGEON directs all medical activities during the mission. Monitors crew health via telemetry, provides crew consultation, and advises the flight director. A private communication channel can be established between astronauts and the flight surgeon, to provide doctor-patient confidentiality.

MOD is a representative of the senior management chain at JSC, and is there to help FLIGHT make those decisions that have no safety-of-flight consequences, but may have cost or public perception consequences. The MOD cannot overrule the Flight Director during a mission.