Information Alignment and Knowledge Synchronization in Spaceflight Operations 2008-01-2102

The Mission Control Center (MCC) at the NASA Johnson Space Center has operated to provide teams of flight controllers with the ability to effectively coordinate controller expertise and enhance distributed problem-solving during simulator-based training and live mission operations. However, assembly, integration, and test operations during pre-launch vehicle preparation do not have the same capabilities of providing real-time information alignment or systems engineering knowledge synchronization. This paper investigates concepts of information alignment and knowledge synchronization in distributed supervisory coordination contexts. Ongoing projects address device, infrastructure, and process factors to improve alignment for current and future generations of human spaceflight vehicle operations.