Space Systems Operators

Space systems operators work at radar and other monitoring facilities that are located on military bases, at other government-secured locations, or at radar or other surveillance installations that are operated by private companies. Some military operators are stationed overseas at U.S. military bases or other facilities. In addition to working traditional daytime, Monday-Friday shifts, operators may be required to work late-night and weekend shifts. This career can be stressful when operators need to respond quickly to emergencies (e.g., a satellite straying from its intended trajectory, a potential collision with space debris) and because they are responsible for monitoring extremely expensive spacecraft, rockets, and satellites. On the other hand, many operators enjoy the fact that no workday is the same and that their work protects the interests of the American people. Civilian space systems operators take pride that their work allows astronomical and meteorological data to be collected and analyzed, GPS systems to provide guidance to users on Earth, and that telecommunications systems continue to operate effectively.