Technology & numbers
What does a
mission controller do?
Guides space missions from the ground, watching data and solving problems in real time.
A career guide for curious students · Grades 3–12
A day in the life
Monitors spacecraft systems, makes quick decisions with a team, and follows careful checklists.
Skills to practise
Focus, teamwork, calm decision making.
How to explore this path
A science or engineering degree, plus training for the specific mission.
Training, qualifications and professional rules vary by country. Check current local requirements with a teacher or careers counsellor.
School subjects & interests
Mission Controller connects with Physics, Computers. You may enjoy this work if you like with computers, with people.
TRY A LITTLE OF THIS CAREER
A hands-on activity
Run a pretend launch with friends: one counts down, one checks, one gives the go-ahead.
Ask an adult to help. Follow the safety notes in the activity. Print this activity or save it as a PDF in your chosen language. Downloadable PDF files are in English.
For younger explorers: a simpler explanation
What do they do?
Mission controllers watch spacecraft from the ground and help solve problems.
What helps?
Staying calm and working as a team.
Learning about the path
You study science or engineering and train for missions.
Questions to explore next
- Which part of this work sounds most interesting to me?
- What did I enjoy when I tried the activity?
- What could I ask someone who works in this field?