Civilian advisors assist the ISDC by providing analysis and insights into the organisation’s operations. Advisors have access to highly confidential mission reports, telemetry and sensor data from deep space missions.
This information is used to analyse data gathered from exploratory missions, assess crew performance and review tactical and strategic approaches. Civilian specialists participate in professional groups alongside crew, sharing their insights and providing assistance.
As they lack the necessary training to operate safely aboard a vessel, civilian advisors do not usually undertake active duty unless required as mission specialists.
Mission specialists are temporary civilian members of a vessel's crew who have particular skills or knowledge that is otherwise unavailable.
Mission specialists are valued guests aboard the vessel and have no place in the chain of command. A basic level of training will typically be provided before departure to enable independent operation aboard the vessel and familiarity with emergency procedures.