Launch operations are supervised and controlled from several control rooms. The controllers are in control of pre-launch checks, the booster and spacecraft. Once the rocket has cleared the launch tower, is when control is switched over to the Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center. Extensive renovation of Control Room 4 was finished in 2006. Firing room 4 is currently leased by SpaceX and serves as their primary launch control centre.
Key personnel
Launch Director (LD)
The Launch Director is the head of the launch team, and is responsible for making the final "go" or "no go" decision for launch after polling the relevant team members. There have been 8 different Space Shuttle launch directors between 1981 and 2011.
Flow Director (FD)
The Flow Director is responsible for the preparation of the spacecraft for launch, and remains in the LCC in an advisory capacity.
NASA Test Director (NTD)
The NASA Test Director is responsible for all pre-launch testing, whether involving the flight crew, the orbiter, the external tank/solid rocket booster, or ground support equipment. The NTD is also responsible for the safety of all personnel on the pad after fuelling has occurred. Reports to the Launch Director.
Orbiter Test Conductor (OTC)
The Orbiter Test Conductor is in charge of all pre-flight checkout and testing of the orbiter, and manages the engineers in the firing room who monitor the orbiter's systems. OTC is an employee of a contractor rather than of NASA.
Tank/Booster Test Conductor (TBC)
Payload Test Conductor (PTC)
The Payload Test Conductor is responsible for the pre-flight test and checkout of payloads carried by the orbiter and manages the engineering and test teams responsible for monitoring and controlling payload ground operations. PTC is a contractor member of the Space Shuttle Team.
The LPS Coordinator monitors and oversees the LPS System; specifically, the desired launch rate, Space Shuttlestacking, and all safety requirements. This is made possible by the Launch Processing System, or LPS — a highly automated, computer-controlled system that oversees the entire checkout and launch process.
The Superintendent of Range Operations ensures that all tracking and communications systems are ready to support the launch operation as well as ensuring that downrange airspace and splashdown areas remain clear for launch, and monitors weather near the launch site.
The Ground Launch Sequencer Engineer is responsible for monitoring the operation of the automated Ground Launch Sequencer system, which controls the countdown from T-9 minutes until launch. After this point through to T-31 seconds, they are in charge of implementing a manual hold if necessary. After T-31 seconds only an automatic cutoff is available. The automatic cutoff recycles the countdown clock to T-20 minutes. Usually this will extend the launch time beyond the launch window causing a scrub and a 24-hour turnaround.
