FOD Overview.pdf

Flight Operations Directorate

Overview

October 2019

VISION

The Flight Operations Directorate is the premier Flight Operations Team on and off the planet.

MISSION

To select and protect our astronauts and to plan, train and fly human space flight and aviation missions.

VALUES

Our values define who and what we are.

Our values are embodied in the “Foundations of Flight Operations.”

In addition:

• We are all in, regardless of background and experience.

• We are innovative. We achieve results where others dream. We are hungry to improve. We demonstrate resolve.

• We are optimistic. We are inspirational. We have fun.

• We are responsible. We are guardians of the people’s trust and treasure.

• We operate with the utmost integrity and honor in everything we do!

Vision, Mission, Values

Foundations

1. To instill within ourselves these qualities essential to professional excellence

• Discipline -- Being able to follow as well as to lead, knowing that we must master ourselves before we can master our task.

• Competence -- There being no substitute for total preparation and complete dedication, for flight will not tolerate the careless or indifferent.

• Confidence -- Believing in ourselves as well as others, knowing that we must master fear and hesitation before we can succeed.

• Responsibility -- Realizing that it cannot be shifted to others, for it belongs to each of us; we must answer for what we do or fail to do.

• Toughness -- Taking a stand when we must; and to try again and again, even if it means following a more difficult path.

• Teamwork -- Respecting and using the abilities of others, realizing that we work toward a common goal, for success depends upon the efforts of all.

• Vigilance -- Being always attentive to the dangers of flight; never accepting success as a substitute for rigor in everything we do.

2. To always be aware that, suddenly and unexpectedly, we may find ourselves in a role where our performance has ultimate consequences

3. To recognize that the greatest error is not to have tried and failed, but that, in the trying, we do not give it our best effort

Astronauts

• The Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) provides flight crews for

NASA human space flight missions

• In addition, FOD astronauts support:

– NASA Human Space Flight Program activities that require crew input and expertise

– Evaluation, testing, and development of new vehicle designs, hardware, and operations such as the Orion spacecraft

– Commercial Crew vehicle development, providing valuable operational experience to help ensure crew safety

– Public outreach events

Space Flight Operations – Flight Execution

– Flight Execution

• Real-time operational support for all space flight phases: ascent, orbit/transit, docking, entry and landing

• Vehicle emergency response: fire, depressurization, hazardous material exposure, etc.

• Real-time planning and execution of ISS daily operations. Negotiate operational constraints with the international partners, scientists and systems experts to meet Programmatic requirements.

• Management and execution of vehicle trajectory plan and altitude strategy

• Execution of vehicle attitude maneuvers as required for complex activities such as visiting vehicle traffic to/from the ISS