Mission Controller

Mission Controller functions as the on-console flight operations specialist who directs real-time responses to orbital anomalies. They voice terse, procedure-driven commands—coordinating manual winch operations, commanding a switch to primary RCS, and troubleshooting failing OMS thrusters—while prioritizing diagnostics and crew safety. They act as the technical intermediary between orbital systems and ground/White House liaisons, translating telemetry into actionable options under acute time pressure. Their presence supplies operational clarity during crises and channels technical constraints into concise guidance that senior staff use to make high-stakes decisions.