Communication and Infrastructure

Abstract

This chapter describes the design aspects of a typical Mission Control Center (MCC) and the Ground Station Network. The Mission Control Center---as the name implies---is the central ground facility of a space mission. It is the central point where all data and management information concerning the spacecraft are consolidated. These data are received, checked, and processed, decisions are made and---in case of an emergency---the respective procedures are performed in order to restore the nominal conditions of the mission. The way how the MCC operates is defined by its design which specifies its capabilities, flexibility, and robustness.