Mission Planning & Execution

Spaceflight Operations ​ 

JSC serves as the central hub for NASA’s human spaceflight operations, encompassing astronaut training, mission control, International Space Station (ISS) operations, Commercial Crew and Cargo operations, operations considerations for spacecraft development, and ongoing support for new exploration space missions.  

Aircraft Operations

NASA JSC’s services in Aircraft Operations include various aircraft for a variety of purposes. From launch and landing imagery of space vehicles, providing critical in-flight component performance verification, to transporting large cargo, these specialized aircraft enable human spaceflight.

Crew & Operations Training

JSC is the proud home of the nation’s elite astronaut corps and provides NASA’s human spaceflight training. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert training staff are unrivaled in their ability to provide comprehensive training for astronauts and ground crews alike, ensuring the highest standards of safety and performance for every human spaceflight mission.

Planning, Architecture & Analysis ​ 

JSC is a key contributor to NASA’s return to the moon under Artemis. JSC has several groups that provide capabilities and expertise in mission planning, spaceflight architectures and analysis.

Analogs & Mockups

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) offers a range of facilities to support mission development, crew training, equipment testing, and real-time mission troubleshooting.

Program Management & Execution​ 

JSC program leadership teams have enabled the successful execution of our Nation’s human spaceflight programs, including the Apollo Program, the Space Shuttle Program, and the International Space Station Program. Now we are embarking on a new era of exploration further into the solar system with the Orion Program, Gateway Program, Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program and roles in the Commercial Crew Program and Human Landing System Program. 

Safety & Decision Support​ 

JSC experts develop and administer flight and ground safety programs, focusing on protecting personnel, equipment, spacecraft and missions. Experts in safety and mission assurance conduct mishap and close call investigations, employ risk management strategies, perform risk management, assess hazards and failure modes, and provide reliability and quality assurance processes and assessments.