UASO Mission Control Operations - Mission Controller Positions
Description:
The world of spaceflight is both fun and challenging. For those looking to get involved in day-to-day operations can become a mission controller, immersing themselves in the total experience. Mission controllers are responsible for monitoring each and every spaceflight mission conducted by the UASO, both manned and unmanned. UASO Mission Controllers are expected to be willing and able to solve complex problems, wrork well with others, and be able to handle the immense responsibilities that come along with controlling a spaceflight mission and other responsibilities related to such missions. There are a number of MC positions available to chose from once accepted into the organization as a mission controller. Each of the positions along with a description of each is listed below:
Flight Director- Most senior mission controller, mainly responsible for the overall operations and execution of a spaceflight mission. The Flight Director is the ground's equavalent of the astronaut mission commander. The responsibilities of the Flight Director is to ensure the successful planning and execution of each mission, selecting mission control teams, assist with the training of the selected crew, and assist in the development of new spacecraft concepts, amongst other duties and responsibilities that may be bestowed upon the Flight Director.
CAPCOM- CAPCOM, once known as Capsule Communicator, is responsible for being the link between Mission Control and the astronauts during a mission.
Procedures Officer- The Procedures Officer, known for short as 'PROCEDURES', is responsible for generating the mission flight plan and daily agenda during before, during, and after a spaceflight mission. This person also creates all the necessary operating procedures for the operation of a spacecraft if none is already available. The Procedures Officer also creates mission flight rules to maintain safety during the execution of a mission. If there is more than one mission control team for any perspective mission, one primary Procedures Officer will be selected (most likely the launch team Procedures Officer) and will head up the creation of the flight plan. All other Procedures Officers attached to the mission will assist with the development of the flight plan and will split responsibilities as the primary Procedures Officer or any higher authority dictates. The Procedures Officer is the technical expert on operation of the spacecraft being operated and must know the spacecraft and its systems inside and out.
Guidance Officer- The Guidance Officer is responsible for guidance and telemetry during a mission. It also helps astronauts with orbital navigation such as determining fuel requirements and information necessary to make orbital maneuvers, orbital course corrections, etc.
Electrical, Evironmental, and Communications Officer- EECOM is responsible for the electrial and environmental elements of a spacecraft before, during, and after a spaceflight mission. This is one of the more important positions to have part of a mission control team.
Telecommunications Officer- The Telecommunications Officer is responsible for the communications network utilized to communicate between Mission Control and the astronauts and Mission Control and other UASO entities. Without a working communications network, a mission cannot be successful.
Public Affairs Officer- The Public Affairs Officer is responsible for the promotion of not only the UASO as an organization itself, but a mission, and also broadcasts to a live audience during pre-launch, launch, and special mission events where the public is allowed to participate. The PAO uses various multimedia resources to present the mission to the public, raising overall interest in the organization. Please note that this is a permanent position and will be given to one or two highly qualified individuals.
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