Mission
Control Center Each
console in the Flight Control Room is the base of operations for a flight control
team. Click on the interactive at left to learn more about the responsibilities
of a team. Placed atop each
console are initials or abbreviated names for each console's function. Each console
also has a "call sign," the name the controller uses when talking to other controllers
over the various telephone communication circuits. In some cases, console names
or initials are the same as the call signs. Mission command and control positions,
their respective initials and call signs are listed in the interactive above. The
Space Shuttle Flight Control Room and the International Space Station Flight Control
Room are basically identical in their equipment and supporting structure, however
the ISS Flight Control Room is smaller than the Space Shuttle Flight Control Room
and operates with fewer flight controllers. The Space Station Flight Control Room
normally operates with a dozen or less flight controllers manning consoles, as
compared to the 20 or so controllers normally manning the space shuttle room during
a flight. Because the station team is smaller, the room has fewer consoles and
is overall physically smaller than the shuttle room. The station room, however,
uses workstations and support equipment identical to that used in the shuttle
room, and most data related to flight control of the station or shuttle can be
viewed from either room. In addition, the station room has two large display screens
at the front of the room rather than three such as in the shuttle room, as well
as fewer remote television cameras mounted in the room to provide a live broadcast
of activities. |
