Astronauts lead an exciting life. Their jobs are full of adventure. However, there are many people behind the scenes that make an astronaut's job easier.
The people at mission control are part of this support staff. They are the people who plan and organize the space missions.
There are flight controllers and ground teams. The ground-team gathers information from the spacecraft and launch pad. The flight controllers study the information and make decisions on the best way to proceed. They work together as a team to do the best job possible.
Mission Control workers have to practice along with the astronauts. They try to imagine ways things can go wrong in space. Then, they practice how to solve them. They are always trying to prepare themselves to handle any emergency situation.
There are thousands of people around the country that help make an astronaut's job easier. The jobs range from mathematicians, engineers, designers, radio specialists and more. Each person has a role to play in making a mission successful.
GLOSSARY
Astronauts - a person trained to make spaceflights
Emergency - a situation that develops suddenly and calls for action or attention right away
