Into  the  21st Century : A Futuristic Look  at  Mission
Control and Operations into the Next Century

Martin Symonds, Christian Mueller
msy@nov.cri.dk
CRI

Abstract:
This  paper will glance back at the process of evolution  that
has occurred during the last twenty years which has led to the
Mission  Control  Systems currently  in  operation  and  under
development.  Based  upon  this experience  and  with  a  good
knowledge  of  the current and emerging trends  in  the  Space
Industry  and  the  increasingly rapid  development  of  newer
technology,  it  is possible to put together a  discussion  on
where  this may be leading us. This paper will therefore  seek
to focus on some of the following issues:

- Past, present and possible future trends in Mission Control
  and Operations
- The continuing commercialisation of Space
- Science Missions versus Commercial Missions
- Deep Space versus Near Space Missions
- Manned Space  and Unmanned Space Missions

This  paper is essentially an attempt to gaze into  a  crystal
ball  to  see what the future may bring in the area of Mission
Control and Operations.