During docked operations, does NASA Mission Control keep in touch with the Russian control center?
Yes, MCC has several communications channels to the control center at Korolyev (formerly Kaliningrad) just outside Moscow. We exchange technical data, coordinate scheduling of mission events, and give ‘GO/NO GO’ calls. We have interpreters at Mission Control in Houston to help our Flight Directors and engineers talk with their Russian counterparts. During Mir docking missions we have a special flight control position called the Russian Interface Operator, or RIO, to help with the exchange of data.
