Boeing's Space and Intelligence Systems opened
the doors to its new, state-of-the-art Mission Control
Center (MCC) in August 2008.
Built within walking
distance to Boeing's satellite factory, known as the
Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, Calif.
the MCC is an integral part of Boeing's partnership
with its satellite customers and its continuing commitment
to mission support for every satellite designed
and delivered by Boeing.
The MCC is where Boeing's satellite flight operations are conducted. Starting with launch, the MCC supports the customer through on-orbit satellite system deployments, on-orbit check out, testing, customer handover, and post hand-over customer support. The MCC is the epicenter of satellite operations in support of customers throughout the world.
Beginning with the 1963 launch of Syncom-2, the world's first geosynchronous communications satellite, Boeing has consistently expanded its product offerings, satellite capabilities, and service to customers. Boeing specializes in geosynchronous satellite systems, which include spacecraft positioned 22,300 miles above the equator.
Built at a cost of $10 million, the 20,500 square-foot MCC consists of four control suites, named in honor of the first geosynchronous satellite and the pioneers who designed it; Syncom, Thomas Hudspeth, Dr. Harold Rosen, and Donald D. Williams. The suites enable Boeing to conduct four satellite missions simultaneously. Approximately 120 engineering workstations support satellite operations in the following areas:
- Monitoring satellite health and safety
- Conducting orbital maneuvers to place the satellite in its final orbital position
- Delivery of all commands sent from the ground to the satellite
- Linkage to ground stations that support the satellite mission
- Verification and validation of all satellite systems
- Bus
- Payload
- Placing the satellite into its final configuration for customer operations
- Providing on-orbit station keeping control
Boeing first provided mission control services in 1982,
and since then more than 120 satellite missions have
been conducted by
Boeing's highly experienced
fleet personnel.
Designed to support
both government
and commercial satellite
missions, Boeing's
MCC provides program
support to systems
such as NASA and NOAA's Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellites, DIRECTV, SES Americom,
XM Satellite Radio, Thuraya, NASA's
Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, and JCSAT ---
systems that supply services such as weather
tracking and prediction, direct-to-home television
broadcasts, mobile telephony, and a variety of
business applications.
Hubbed through new network and communication
rooms, the Boeing MCC is capable of connecting
ground stations around the globe for use in post-launch
operations. 
Seamless communication to and
from a variety of ground stations, located in the
United States, Italy, South Africa, Canada, Indonesia
and Australia support monitoring satellite health and
conducting spacecraft operations from the Boeing
MCC to the satellites in orbit.
Boeing's commitment to customers is 24-7. At any time, Boeing satellite experts are available for mission support to any owner or operator of a Boeing satellite. As the command center, the MCC provides vital system data and status so that Boeing can assist customers with analyzing and interpreting the status of the spacecraft.
From satellite design, manufacturing, delivery and operation, Boeing provides a vital communications link to customers around the world. A state-of-the-art factory, coupled with one of the most capable MCCs ever built, enables Boeing to meet its commitment to customers by providing satellite-based services that entertain, protect, and inform.
