🚀 Space operations
Operating satellites, missile-warning systems, and space-based sensors — the Space Force’s core mission, with roles in other branches too.
What they do
Space operators run the systems that track satellites and missiles, operate military satellite communications and GPS, provide missile warning, and conduct orbital warfare and space-domain awareness. Guardians in the Space Force specialize after training in areas like space systems operations, cyber, and intelligence.
It is a young, fast-growing, highly technical field at the center of modern defense.
Jobs & codes by branch
Representative jobs in this field and their military occupation codes — not a complete list; each branch has many more and codes change. Use the official job finders below for the full, current list.
Space Force
Space Systems Operations · Orbital Warfare · Intelligence · Cyber Operations (Guardians use AFSC-style specialty codes; the list is still evolving).
Air Force (legacy)
1C6X1 Space Systems Operations
ASVAB areas that matter
Math Knowledge (MK), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), General Science (GS), and Electronics Information (EI). Your AFQT score decides whether you can enlist; individual subtests combine into “line scores” that set which jobs you qualify for. Prepare with our free ASVAB practice tests.
How it transfers to civilian work
Transfers to the booming commercial space and aerospace industry (satellite operations, launch, and ground systems at companies like SpaceX, ULA, and Boeing), systems operations, and data/GIS analysis. Credentials: systems-operations and IT certifications, security clearance, and engineering coursework.
See every job & the exact requirements
Codes, availability, and ASVAB minimums vary by branch and change often — confirm on each branch's official job finder: Army ↗ · Navy ↗ · Air Force ↗ · Marine Corps ↗ · Space Force ↗ · Coast Guard ↗.