Global Satellite Operations Specialist (GSOS)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Global Satellite Operations Specialist (GSOS) certification is designed for:

• Satellite Operations Professionals: Engineers and specialists responsible for real-time satellite monitoring, command execution, and anomaly resolution.

• Military & Defense Personnel: Service members in space operations roles, including Space Force, Air Force 1C6X1, Navy Space Cadre, and Army space operations units.

• Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Individuals working on satellite mission planning, space situational awareness, and secure satellite communications.

• Systems Engineers & Space Network Operators: Professionals managing global satellite constellations and integrating TTC with AI-driven automation and predictive analytics.

• Cybersecurity & Space Domain Awareness Specialists: Experts ensuring secure satellite communications, mitigating cyber threats, and enhancing space situational awareness.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in aerospace engineering, telecommunications, or related fields aiming to specialize in satellite operations.

ELIGIBILITY

The Global Satellite Operations Specialist (GSOS) certification is designed for professionals involved in satellite command, control, and operational management. Ideal candidates must:

• Verify they fit one of the “who is this for” categories.

• Meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Be able to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Operate a computer for email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Fundamentals of Satellite Operations

1.1. Define the key functions of satellite operations, including command, control, and mission planning.
1.2. Explain the difference between LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites and their use cases.
1.3. Describe the importance of redundancy and failover strategies in satellite operations.
1.4. Identify major satellite operators and their global constellations.

2. Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TTC) Systems

2.1. Explain the role of TTC in monitoring and managing satellite health.
2.2. Describe common telemetry parameters:
2.2.1. Power levels and thermal status.
2.2.2. Propulsion system monitoring.
2.3. Identify tracking methods for satellite positioning and orbit maintenance:
2.3.1. Ground-based tracking radars.
2.3.2. GPS and star trackers for precision navigation.
2.4. Explain control segment functions, including attitude and orbit adjustments.

3. Satellite Constellation Management

3.1. Describe the architecture of satellite constellations and their operational advantages.
3.2. Explain orbital slot coordination and frequency spectrum management.
3.3. Identify challenges in coordinating LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations for global coverage.
3.4. Discuss the impact of space debris and collision avoidance strategies.

4. Integration of GEO, LEO, and MEO Systems

4.1. Compare and contrast data latency, coverage, and throughput across LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites.
4.2. Explain inter-satellite links (ISL) and their role in seamless data relay.
4.3. Describe hybrid satellite-terrestrial network integration for global connectivity.
4.4. Identify key players in multi-orbit satellite operations (e.g., Starlink, OneWeb, SES O3b).

5. Satellite Network Operations and Optimization

5.1. Describe ground station infrastructure and its role in satellite operations.
5.2. Explain satellite access procedures and mission planning for network uptime.
5.3. Identify network management challenges, including latency, congestion, and signal degradation.
5.4. Discuss security best practices in satellite network operations.

6. AI-Driven Satellite Operations and Automation

6.1. Define the role of artificial intelligence in satellite health monitoring and anomaly detection.
6.2. Explain predictive maintenance models for satellite longevity.
6.3. Identify automation technologies used for satellite maneuvering and traffic management.
6.4. Describe emerging AI-driven mission planning tools.

7. Mission Planning and Operational Success

7.1. Explain key elements of mission planning for commercial and defense satellite operations.
7.2. Identify risk management strategies for satellite deployment and long-term operations.
7.3. Describe post-mission satellite decommissioning and end-of-life disposal methods.
7.4. Discuss compliance with international regulations and space sustainability initiatives.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Global Satellite Operations Specialist (GSOS) certification aligns with military and defense roles focusing on satellite command, control, and operations. Relevant military job codes include:

• 1C6X1 – Air Force Space Systems Operations

• Space Force Satellite Operations & Engineering Roles

• Navy Space Cadre Officers & Technicians – Managing space-based assets and global SATCOM networks

• Army FA40 – Space Operations Officer

• Air Force 13S – Space Operations Officer

• Defense & Aerospace Engineers in Satellite Operations