// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Mission Control
The central facility on Earth responsible for overseeing and directing a space mission from launch through its entire operational lifespan. Teams of experts monitor all aspects of the spacecraft.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Mission Control is the centralized ground-based operations center, typically staffed by flight controllers and engineers, responsible for real-time monitoring, command and control, trajectory analysis, and anomaly resolution for spacecraft during all phases of a space mission.
BACKGROUND
The Artemis program is a human spaceflight program by the United States. The Artemis program is intended to reestablish a human presence on the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972; mid-term objectives include establishing an international expedition team, and a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Long-term objectives for Artemis are laying the foundations for the extraction of lunar resources, and eventually making crewed missions to Mars and beyond feasible.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Flight control center
- Operations center
- MCC
- Control room
USAGE NOTE
Mission Control continuously monitors telemetry to ensure the spacecraft's health and performance.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Mission Control.
Operates multiple mission control centers, most notably the Johnson Space Center for human spaceflight and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for robotic planetary missions, continuously developing and refining mission control technologies and protocols.
Through its European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), ESA develops and operates mission control systems for a wide range of scientific, Earth observation, and telecommunication satellites.
Develops and operates its own state-of-the-art mission control facilities for its Falcon rockets, Dragon spacecraft, Starlink constellation, and Starship development, focusing on rapid reusability and operational efficiency.
Develops mission control systems for its New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the forthcoming New Glenn orbital rocket, focusing on autonomous operations and crew safety.
Operates sophisticated mission control centers for its Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy rockets, overseeing launch operations and providing mission assurance for critical national security and scientific payloads.
Develops and operates mission control for its Electron launch vehicle and Photon satellite platform, emphasizing high-cadence launch operations and integrated space systems management.
A major provider of space systems, including ground segment solutions and mission operations services for satellite constellations, often developing or integrating mission control software and hardware.
As a prime contractor for numerous space missions, Lockheed Martin develops, integrates, and operates complex ground systems and mission control functionalities for satellites and deep-space probes.
Provides end-to-end space solutions, including advanced ground systems and mission operations capabilities that encompass the development and support of mission control for various government and commercial programs.
Developing mission control capabilities for its commercial space station modules and private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, establishing commercial space operational paradigms.