// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Flight Control
The overall management and direction of a spacecraft's trajectory, systems, and operations from launch through its entire mission, typically handled by teams at Mission Control.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Flight control encompasses the real-time monitoring, command, and trajectory management of a spacecraft from launch to end-of-life, executed by specialized teams (flight controllers) at a mission control center to ensure mission objectives are met, systems operate nominally, and anomalies are resolved.
BACKGROUND
As of May 27, 2026, the SpaceX Starship has been launched 12 times, with 7 successes and 5 failures. SpaceX has developed Starship with the intention of lowering launch costs using economies of scale. It aims to achieve this by reusing both rocket stages, increasing payload mass to orbit, increasing launch frequency, creating a mass-manufacturing pipeline and adapting it to a wide range of space missions. Starship is the latest project in SpaceX's reusable launch system development program and plan to colonize Mars, and is one of two landing systems selected by NASA for the Artemis program's crewed Lunar missions.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Mission operations
- Spacecraft control
- Operations management
- Trajectory control
USAGE NOTE
Flight control teams continuously adjust the satellite's orbit to maintain its precise position.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Flight Control.
A global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin develops and integrates advanced flight control systems for a wide range of aircraft, spacecraft, and missile systems, critical for maneuverability and mission success.
A leading global aerospace company, Boeing designs, manufactures, and services commercial jetliners, defense products, and space systems, incorporating sophisticated flight control technologies for autonomous and piloted operations.
As a major player in aerospace, Airbus develops advanced flight control systems for its commercial aircraft, military aircraft, helicopters, and space vehicles, focusing on safety, efficiency, and performance.
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. Flight control systems are fundamental to their operations, including autonomous launch, orbital maneuvering, re-entry, and precision landing of reusable rockets.
NASA develops and operates spacecraft and aeronautical research vehicles, requiring cutting-edge flight control systems for mission execution, vehicle stability, navigation, and deep-space exploration.
A global aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman provides flight control solutions for various platforms, including advanced aircraft, unmanned systems, and space vehicles, focusing on complex mission requirements.
Honeywell Aerospace is a major supplier of avionics and control systems for civil and military aircraft and spacecraft. They develop flight management systems, flight controls, and actuation systems that are integral to vehicle operation.
Collins Aerospace provides a broad portfolio of aerospace products, including advanced flight control computers, actuation systems, and pilot controls for commercial, business, military, and space applications.