Mission Control

Mission Control is the central operations hub of XCOM.

Overview
XCOM's Canadian base retained a centralised control centre, complete with hologlobe and operations terminals. From here most XCOM missions are overseen; ranging from UFO interception and salvage to abduction intervention. Smaller scale issues such as regular satellite recon, Skyranger deployment and base management are handled by individual or small groups of operators. Medium scale issues may be brought to the attention of staff officers, this may include potential scouting crash or landing site locations, overseeing satellite deployment over member nations, managing internal resources, security and vehicle maintenance. Typically each section of the base with have a managing officer in charge present at mission control for oversight. High priority operations, most notably active XCOM mission in the field, are overseen by the central officer and commander, though will rely on the officers and operators at control for smooth running of all aspects. Quite often scientific consultants (notably Dr. Valhen and Dr. Shen) are present to oversee active mission and advise as needed.

In order to properly oversee XCOM operations mission control is connected to XCOM's global satellite grid through the Central Array, providing up-to-date information for staff and teams in the field. Mission control also serves as a secure room in case of attack on the base; the doors are fitted with enhanced biometric locks as well as reinforced frames, a number of weapons lockers are also dotted around the room. In case of emergency the commanding officers can also issue lockdown, base evacuation and even the self-destruct if needed.

Evacuation
In the event of a biological, chemical or radiological threat developing within XCOM which requires immediate containment evacuation can be ordered from mission control before they become exposed. This involves using a number of escape shafts leading to the surface as well as evacuating via the Skyrangers or ground-based vehicles through the access tunnels.

Lockdown
Should the base come under direct attack the entire facility can be locked down; this involves grounding all traffic to and from the base by sealing the hangar bay doors as well as closing multiple bulkheads within the access tunnels. Isolated, the base has the capabilities to remain operational for up to three months without any external supplies. In case of infiltration individual areas can also be locked down from control to let security teams pin down and neutralise enemy operatives within the base.

Self-Destruct
A last resort measure, reserved for only the most dire of situations. The entire base can be destroyed by detonating an Elerium-based 50 MT device at the bottom of the facility. In order to either arm or disarm the self-destruct two high-ranking officers are needed to enter authorisation codes, though the device can also be activated manually should mission control become overrun.