For Educators: Military Resources
Military Space Operations Officers
Median Salary
106,210
Workforce Count
8,122
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Space operations officers manage space flight planning, training, mission control, and other activities involved in piloting, launching, and recovering spacecraft. They provide consultation and oversight of space systems functions related to operations, development and acquisition, and policy planning. They perform space operations activities including orbital analysis, surveillance, and space warning. They conduct satellite position predictions and perform space lift operations, including flight control and launch-processing activities.
What is the work environment like?
Space operations officers work in offices. Astronauts are required at times to work in a zero gravity environment in training as well as in space flight.
How many people have this role in the Military?
8,122
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$138,452
2 Years
$97,169
6 Years
$138,452
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for space operations officers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Evaluation of space transport systems
- Development of space mission plans
- Methods for conducting space flight training programs
- Development of space flight simulation exercises
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General
- Meteorology
- Climate Science
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology
- Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Mathematics
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
- English Language
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test