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Launch into the U.S. Space Force

SPACE OPERATIONS

female cadet in classroom

The modern, 21st century military is exploring an exciting new domain—beyond the clouds and into the stars. As a Space Operations major, you will dive into a comprehensive program to prepare for dynamic and expansive opportunities in space operations. Learn invaluable skills and knowledge at the intersection of space industry and government, through interdisciplinary academics and hands-on experience. Design, build, launch and track DoD satellites. Expand research and testing on Falcon Neuro, a payload of neuromorphic cameras to be flown on the International Space Station. Engage in summer research opportunities at the Kennedy Space Center, through Air Force Space Command, MIT-Lincoln Labs, and other commercial industry partners. As a space operations major, you will have the resources and mentorship necessary to drive change and innovation in the next frontier.

Research
  • Each year the Astro Engr department sends several cadets to do summer research projects
    • Projects: Small Satellite Development, Satellite Tracking, Classified Programs, etc.
    • Organizations: Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Air Force Space Command, MIT – Lincoln Labs, and commercial space industry partners
  • Department Research
    • Conduct independent research with faculty during the academic year
    • Work on future space technologies and capabilities, determine proper military usage of space capabilities, flesh out structure of future U.S. Space Force
Space Operations Careers
  • 13S: Space Operations
    • The USAFA Space Ops major is the best possible jumpstart to this exciting career field
  • 14N: Intel
  • Pilots
  • Any operational AFSC
  • Those that take additional math or engineering may be eligible for 62X: developmental engineer
Graduate School
  • Space Operations is a STEM degree and qualifies graduates for graduate school opportunities through the Air Force Institute of Technology
  • For increased graduate school opportunities, cadets are encouraged to take additional math (Calc III or Linear Algebra) courses as electives
  • Graduate school opportunities are available every year, not just immediately following USAFA
Semester Hour Summary
4° hrs per 3° hrs per
Fall Beh Sci 110 3 1 Astro Engr 310S 3 1
Comp Sci 110 3 2 Law 220 3 1
For Lang 1 3 1 Math 245 3 2
History 100 3 1 MSS 251 4.5 2
Math 141 3 1 Physics 215 4 1
Phy Ed 0.5 1 Space 251/252 0 2
Total: 12.5 8 Phy Ed 1 2
Total: 18.5 11
Spring Chem 100 4 1 Astro Engr 201 1 1
English 111 3 1 Chem 200 4 2
For Lang 2 3 1 Econ 201 3.5 1
Leadership 100 0.75 1 English 211 3 1
Math 142 3 1 Leadership 200 0.75 1
Physics 110 4 0 Mech Engr 220 3 1
Phy Ed 0.5 2 Pol Sci 211 3 0
Total: 18.25 7 Phy Ed 0.5 2
Total: 18.75 9
Foundational Core
Intermediate Core
Advanced Core
Major’s Courses
Semester Hour Summary
2° hrs per 1° hrs per
Fall Astro Engr 321 3 1 Astro Engr 423 4 2
Geo 382 3 1 Astro Engr 436 3 1
History 322 3 1 Math 356 3 1
Philos 310 3 1 MSS 444 3 1
Physics 371 3 1 Pol Sci 465 3 1
Physics 375 3 1 Phy Ed 0.5 2
Phy Ed 1 2 Total: 16.5 8
Total: 19 8
Spring Aero Engr 315 3 2 Astro Engr 332 3 2
Astro Engr 331 3 1 Astro Engr 431 3 1
ECE 315 3 1 Astro Engr 437 4 1
Leadership 300 0.75 1 History 300 3 1
Soc Sci 311 3 1 Law 419 3 1
Depth Option 3 0 Leadership 400 0.75 0
Phy Ed 0.5 2 Phy Ed 1 2
Total: 16.25 8 Total: 17.75 8
Core 114.5 Sem Hours
Phy Ed = 5.0 Sem Hours
Major = 39.8 Sem Hours
Total =  159.3 Sem Hours

Depth Option (pick 1)

Geo 482 Advanced Remote Sensing & Image Analysis
Physics 370 Upper Atmospheric and Geo-Space Physics
English 340 Technical Writing and Communicating
Mech Engr 330 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
Aero 241 Thermodynamics
Math 243 Calculus III
Math 344 Applied Linear Algebra

Depth Option (pick 1)

Chem 325 Space Chemistry
Astro 351 Rocket Propulsion
Engr 341 Linear Systems Analysis and Design
Engr 342 Linear Control Systems Analysis and Design
Astro 335 Human Spaceflight*
Astro 422 Advanced Astrodynamics
*Astro 335 Human Spaceflight taught by former USAFA Astro Engr Major – Astronaut Gary Payton
Contact:

Need more information or want to sign up:
Lt Col Dan Burtz
(719) 333-6861