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Space Operations Specialist ... (Military - Enlisted)

What They Do

About This Career

Space operations specialists manage space warning systems, control orbital mechanics, conduct data analysis, and transmit signals to satellites. These specialists operate space systems to perform space control missions.

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster National Security pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Detects, identifies, and maintains surveillance on low orbiting and deep space satellite vehicles, using optical radar sensors
  • Tracks sea launched and intercontinental ballistic missiles using a variety of system peculiar sensors
  • Plans satellite contacts, resolves emergencies, and performs satellite commanding during launch, early orbit, daily operations, and end-of-life testing
  • Performs launch and on-orbit operations for military communications and global positioning system satellites
  • Provides on-orbit telemetry, tracking, and commanding for satellite systems
  • Supports spacelift and aeronautical testing to fulfill warfighting and commercial users
  • Validates and enhances warfighter capabilities through testing and evaluation of space systems
  • Replicates adversary’s space capabilities to improve combat training and increase awareness of threats from space
  • Oversees space surveillance, space lift, space warning, and satellite command and control
  • Develops future plans for systems, facilities, and personnel

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
  • Judging how far away an object is, or which of several objects is closer or farther away
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Seeing objects or movement to one's side when looking forward
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Rotating shift work
  • Weekend work

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support