Space Operations Specialists

Background

Orbiting satellites and other space vehicles are used for communications, weather forecasting, and collecting intelligence data. In the future, more and more military operations will involve space systems. Space operations specialists use and repair spacecraft ground control command equipment, including electronic systems that track spacecraft location and operation.

What They Do

Space operations specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Analyze data to determine spacecraft operational status
• Assist in preparing spacecraft commands to meet mission objectives
• Monitor computers and telemetry display systems
• Operate data-handling equipment to track spacecraft
• Repair ground and spacecraft communication equipment
• Transmit and verify spacecraft commands using aerospace ground equipment

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to enter this career.

Special Requirements

No information available.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to work with formulas to solve math problems
• Interest in operating electronic equipment and systems
• Interest in space exploration
• Interest in working as part of a team

Helpful School Subjects

Helpful school subjects include:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Physics
• Trigonometry

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

Work Environment

Space operations specialists work in space operations centers.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for enlisted personnel.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 17 to 30 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in spacecraft command and control operations.

Course content typically includes:

• Alignment of ground and spacecraft communication systems
• Analysis of data that indicate spacecraft operational status
• Application of electronic and satellite system principles
• Operation of electronic transmitting, receiving, and computing equipment
• Space command and control system operational procedures

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian space operations specialists work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US Weather Service, and private satellite communications firms. They perform duties similar to military space operations specialists.

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 1,000 space operations specialists. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new specialists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, space operations specialists are assigned to space operations centers, where they use and repair space systems equipment under close supervision. After gaining experience, they work more independently and may help train new workers. Eventually, space operations specialists may advance to become supervisors of space operations centers.