Flight controller

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Flight controllers are personnel who aid in the operations of a space flight, working in Mission Control Centers such as NASA's Mission Control Center, or ESA's Operations Center. Flight controllers sit at computer consoles and use telemetry to monitor in real time various technical aspects of a manned space mission. Each controller is an expert in a specific area, and is in constant communication with additional experts in the "back room". The Flight Director is the lead flight controller, monitors the activities of others and has overall responsibility for the mission success and safety.

NASA's Flight controllers

The room where the flight controllers work was called the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR), and now is called the Flight Control Room (FCR). The "back room" was called the Staff Support Room (SSR), and is now called the Multi-Purpose Support Room (MPSR). The front room/back room split is a critical concept and unique to JSC. The front room controllers, named below, are experts in their system, but even more so, they are experts in integrating their systems into the activities of the vehicle. The back room positions are far more specialized on the operation of their systems, almost to the exclusion of other activities.

Unmanned U.S. space missions also have flight controllers but are managed from separate organizations, either the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for deep-space missions or Goddard Space Flight Center for near-earth missions.

Each flight controller has a unique call sign, which describes the position responsibilities. The call sign and responsibility refer to the particular console, not just the person, since missions are managed around the clock and with each shift change a different person takes over the console.

Flight controller responsibilities have changed over time, and continue to evolve. New controllers are added, and tasks are reassigned to other controllers to keep up with changing technical systems. For example the EECOM handled Command and Service Module communication systems though Apollo 10, which was afterward assigned to a new position called INCO.

Shuttle and space station flight controllers

There are currently two groups of flight controllers at Johnson Space Center; the International Space Station (ISS) flight controllers and the Space Shuttle flight controllers.

The Space Shuttle flight controllers work relatively brief periods: The several minutes of ascent, the few days the vehicle is in orbit, and reentry. The duration of operations for Space Shuttle flight controllers is short and time-critical. A failure on the Shuttle leaves flight controllers little time for talking, and causes more pressure towards responding to a failure. The Space Shuttle flight controllers generally do not have the capability of sending commands to the space vehicle for any type of system reconfigurations.

In contrast, the ISS flight controllers work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This allows the ISS flight controllers time to discuss off-nominal telemetry. The ISS flight controllers have the opportunity to interface with many groups and engineering experts. The mentality behind an ISS flight controller is to preempt a failure. Telemetry is closely monitored for any signatures that may begin to indicate future catastrophic failures. Generally, ISS flight controllers take a prophylactic approach to space vehicle operations. There are command capabilities that ISS flight controllers use to preclude a potential failure.

Responsibility

Flight controllers are responsible for the success of the mission and for the lives of the astronauts under their watch. The Flight Controllers' Creed states that they must "always be aware that suddenly and unexpectedly [they] may find ourselves in a role where [their] performance has ultimate consequences". Well-known actions taken by flight controllers include the following:

• During the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Lunar Module guidance computer began giving errors which threatened to abort the landing. Guidance officer Steve Bales had only a few seconds to determine it was safe to proceed, which saved the mission. Bales was later honored for his role in the mission, when he was selected to accept the NASA Group Achievement Award from President Richard Nixon on behalf of the Apollo 11 mission operations team.

• During the launch of Apollo 12, the Saturn V was struck by lightning which knocked out all telemetry and the Apollo guidance unit. This would probably have aborted the mission if EECOM controller John Aaron had not quickly determined that an obscure cockpit switch could fix the problem.

• During space shuttle mission STS-51-F, a main engine failed during ascent to orbit. A second engine began showing signs of failing. If it failed it would cause an emergency landing in Spain, or possibly could cause the shuttle to ditch in the ocean. Booster officer Jenny Howard Stein determined within seconds it was an incorrect sensor and not an engine problem. At her direction the crew inhibited the sensor, which saved the mission and possibly the crew.

\"Common\" flight control positions

There are some positions that have and will serve the same function in every vehicle's Flight Control team. The group of individuals serving in those positions may be different, but they will be called the same thing and serve the same function.

Flight Director (FLIGHT)

Leads the flight control team. "Flight" has overall operational responsiblity for missions and payload operations and for all decisions regarding safe, expedient flight. He monitors the other flight controllers, who are in constant verbal communication with him through intercom channels called "loops".

Mission Operations Directorate (MOD)

Is a representative of the senior management chain at JSC, and is there to help the flight director make those decisions that have no safety-of-flight consequences, but may have cost or public perception consequences. In no cases can the MOD rep overrule the flight director during a mission.

Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM)

Generally the only person who communicates directly with a manned space crew. During much of the U.S. manned space program, NASA felt it was important for all communication with the astronauts in space to pass through a single individual in the Mission Control Center. That role was designated the capsule communicator or capcom and was typically filled by another astronaut, often one of the backup crew members. For long duration missions, there would be more than one capcom, each assigned to a different shift team. After control of U.S. spaceflights moved to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in the early 1960s, capcoms used the radio call sign Houston.

External links

• [Florida Today article on the role of CAPCOM]

Flight Surgeon (SURGEON)

Directs all operational medical activities concerned with the mission, including the status of the flight crew. Monitors crew health, provides crew consultation, and advises flight director of the crew's health status. A direct communications loop can be established between the mission astronauts and the flight surgeon, in accordance with doctor-patient confidentiality.

Public Affairs Officer (PAO)

Provides mission commentary to supplement and explain air-to-ground transmissions and flight control operations to the news media and the public.

Apollo flight control positions

Booster Systems Engineer (BOOSTER)

Monitored and evaluated performance of propulsion-related aspects of the launch vehicle during prelaunch and ascent. During the Apollo program there were three Booster positions, who worked only until Trans Lunar Injection (TLI). Booster had the power to send an abort command to the spacecraft.

Retrofire Officer (RETRO)

Drew up abort plans and was responsible for determination of retrofire times. During lunar missions the RETRO planned and monitored Trans Earth Injection (TEI) manoeuvres, where the Apollo Service Module fired its engine to return to earth from the moon.

Flight Dynamics Officer (FIDO)

Responsible for the flight path of the space vehicle, both atmospheric and orbital. During lunar missions the FDO was also responsible for the lunar trajectory. The FDO monitored vehicle performance during the powered flight phase and assessed abort modes, calculated orbital maneuvers and resulting trajectories, and monitored vehicle flight profile and energy levels during re-entry.

External links

• [Former FDO Roger Balettie]
• [Orbit/Rendezvous FDO Operational Overview]
• [Current FDO Chris Edelen]

Guidance Officer (GUIDANCE)

Monitored onboard navigational systems and onboard guidance computer software. Responsible for determining the position of the spacecraft in space.

Instrumentation and Communications Officer (INCO)

Responsible for all data, voice and video communications systems, including monitoring the configuration of in-flight communications and instrumentation systems. Duties also included monitoring the telemetry link between the vehicle and the ground, and overseeing the uplink command and control processes.

Electrical, Environmental and Consumables Manager (EECOM)

Monitored cryogenic levels for fuel cells, and cabin cooling systems; electrical distribution systems; cabin pressure control systems; and vehicle lighting systems. EECOM originally stood for Electrical, Environmental and COMmunication systems. The Apollo EECOM was responsible for CSM communications through Apollo 10. Afterward the communication task was moved to a new console named INCO.

Perhaps the most famous NASA EECOMs are Seymour "Sy" Liebergot, the EECOM on duty at the time of the oxygen tank explosion on Apollo 13 and John Aaron, who is credited with saving the Apollo 12 mission after the spacecraft was struck by lightning during launch.

• Apollo EECOM : Journey of a Lifetime: Apogee Books Space Series 31 (2003) ISBN 1896522963

Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Systems Engineer (GNC)

Monitored all vehicle guidance, navigation and control systems. Also responsible for propulsion systems such as the Reaction and Control System (RCS) and the CSM main engine.

Telemetry, Electrical, EVA Mobility Unit Officer (TELMU)

Monitored the Lunar Module electrical and environmental systems, plus lunar astronaut spacesuits. Essentially the equivalent of the EECOM for the lunar module.

Control officer (CONTROL)

Responsible for the Lunar Module guidance, navigation and control systems. Essentially the equivalent of the GNC for the lunar module.

Flight Activities Officer (FAO)

Planned and supported crew activities, checklists, procedures and schedules.

Organization and Procedures Officer (O&P)

Supervised the application of mission rules and established techniques to the conduct of the flight.

Network (NETWORK)

Supervised the network of ground stations that relayed telemetry and communications from the spacecraft.

Shuttle flight control positions

Many mission control positions remained the same during the space shuttle program. However, other positions were eliminated or redefined, and new positions were added.

Positions remaining generally the same:

• Booster
• FDO
• Guidance
• GNC
• INCO

Positions eliminated:

• RETRO
• EECOM (split in two)
• TELMU
• CONTROL

Electrical Generation and Integrated Lighting Systems Engineer (EGIL)

Monitors cryogenic levels for the fuel cells, electrical generation and distribution systems on he spacecraft, and vehicle lighting. This is a portion of the job formerly done by EECOM.

Maintenance, Mechanical, Arm And Crew Systems (MMACS)

Responsible for space shuttle structural and mechanical systems, including the remote manipulator system, monitoring auxiliary power units and hydraulic systems, and managing payload bay and vent door operations. MMACS also follows use of onboard crew hardware and in-flight equipment maintenance. This represents another portion of the job formerly done by EECOM, with additional responsibilities added by the specific requirements of space shuttle operations.

Propulsion Engineer (PROP)

Manages the reaction control thrusters and orbital maneuvering engines during all phases of flight, monitors fuel usage and propellant tank status, and calculates optimal sequences for thruster firings.

Data Processing System Engineer (DPS)

Responsible for data processing systems in a space flight, including the onboard general purpose computers. This includes determining the data processing system status, flight-critical and launch data lines, the malfunction display system, mass memories and system-level software.

The space shuttle general purpose computers are a critical subsystem, and the vehicle cannot fly without them.

Ground Controller (GC)

Directs maintenance and operation activities affecting Mission Control hardware, software and support facilities; coordinates space flight tracking and data network, and Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system with Goddard Space Flight Center.

ISS flight control positions

Assembly and Checkout Officer (ACO)

Responsible for integration of assembly and activation tasks for all ISS systems and elements and coordinating with station and shuttle flight controllers on the execution of these operations.

Attitude Determination and Control Officer (ADCO)

Works in partnership with Russian controllers to determine and manage the station’s orientation, controlled by the onboard Motion Control Systems. This position also plans and calculates future orientations and maneuvers for the station and is resposible for docking the ISS with other vehicles.

Communication and Tracking Officer (CATO)

Responsible for management and operations of the U.S. communication systems, including audio, video, telemetry and commanding systems.

Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)

Responsible for the assembly and operation of systems related to atmosphere control and supply, atmosphere revitalization, cabin air temperature and humidity control, circulation, fire detection and suppression, water collection and processing and crew hygiene equipment, among other areas.

Extravehicular Activity Officer (EVA)

Responsible for all spacesuit and spacewalking-related tasks, equipment and plans.

Onboard, Data, Interfaces and Networks (ODIN)

Responsible for the U.S. Command and Data Handling System, including hardware, software, networks, and interfaces with International Partner avionics systems.

Operations Support Officer (OSO)

Charged with those logistics support funtions that address on-orbit maintenance, support data and documentation, logistics information systems, maintenance data collection and maintenance analysis. The OSO is also responsible for mechanical systems -- such as those used to attach new modules or truss sections to the vehicle during assembly.

Power, Heating, Articulation, Lighting Control Officer (PHALCON)

Manages the power generation, storage, and power distribution capabilities.

Robotics Operations Systems Officer (ROBO)

Responsible for the operations of the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, which includes a mobile base system, station robotic arm, station robotic hand or special purpose dexterous manipulator. (Call sign: ROBO) represents a joint Canadian Space Agency-NASA team of specialists to plan and execute robotic operations.

Thermal Operations and Resources (THOR)

Responsible for the assembly and operation of multiple station subsystems which collect, distribute, and reject waste heat from critical equipment and payloads.

Trajectory Operations Officer (TOPO)

Responsible for the station trajectory. The TOPO works in partnership with Russian controllers, ADCO, and the U.S. Space Command to maintain data regarding the station's orbital position. TOPO plans all station orbital maneuvers.

Operations Planner (OPSPLAN)

Leads the coordination, development and maintenance of the station's short-term plan, including crew and ground activities. The plan includes the production and uplink of the onboard station plan and the coordination and maintenance of the onboard inventory and stowage listings.

See also

• Baikonur Cosmodrome
• ESOC
• Guiana Space Center
• Tanegashima Space Center
• Mission Control Center
• Johnson Space Center
• Kennedy Space Center
• Space Shuttle program
• Apollo program
• Eugene Kranz
• Christopher C. Kraft, Jr.
• John Aaron
• Jay Greene
• Steve Bales

References

External links

• [National Park Service mission control page]
• [Space-Technology.com mission control page]

 

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