The array operator is stationed in the Array Operations Center in Socorro, NM. From this location, the array opreator can command all the antennas of the VLBA, and evaluate the monitor data that is streaming back from each antenna.

The array operations staff works an eight hour rotating shift on weekdays, and rotating tweleve hour shifts on the weekends. The VLBA stops observing only for Thanksgiving, eight hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and for sixteen hours on New Years Day.