U.S. Space Force · Space Operations

1C6X1 Space Systems Operator

Space Force Space Systems Operators detect and track missile launches, operate satellite and space-control systems, and support launch, range, and on-orbit operations. This is the U.S. Space Force's core space-operations enlisted career, carried in older charts under the Air Force code 1C6X1 and in the current Space Force specialty-code system as 5C0X1.

last verified 2026-06-15

1C6X1 (Space Systems Operator) is in the Space Force and requires a minimum AFQT of 50 and E of at least 60. Last verified 2026-06-15 against spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator.

Quick check

Can I qualify for this job?

Enter the scores you already know. Leave a box blank if you do not have that score yet.

AFQT minimum 50Enter AFQT
E minimum 60Enter E

Plain requirement

What you need.

  • Min AFQT50
  • Training~11 weeks
  • E line score≥ 60

AFQT 50 is a percentile. The line score above is not — it is a Space Force composite, a weighted sum of your ASVAB subtest standard scores (E = AR + MK + EI + GS — per airforce.com (ASVAB — MAGE composites; shared with the Space Force), verified 2026-07-23). Work yours out from your score sheet with the Space Force ASVAB line score calculator.

Source: spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator · last verified 2026-06-15.

Role brief

About 1C6X1 — Space Systems Operator.

Space Force Space Systems Operators detect and track missile launches, operate satellite and space-control systems, and support launch, range, and on-orbit operations. This is the U.S. Space Force's core space-operations enlisted career, carried in older charts under the Air Force code 1C6X1 and in the current Space Force specialty-code system as 5C0X1.

Starting pay · 2026

What this job pays as a junior enlisted member.

Base pay is set by pay grade, not by job — every Space Force enlistee at the same grade earns the same monthly base pay. These are the 2026 active-duty rates (3.8% raise, effective 2026-01-01).

GradeRankMonthly base payService
E-1Specialist 1 (Spc1)$2,407after 4 months of service
E-2Specialist 2 (Spc2)$2,698under 2 years
E-3Specialist 3 (Spc3)$2,837under 2 years
E-4Specialist 4 (Spc4)$3,142under 2 years
  • Plus food allowance (BAS)$460/moFlat enlisted rate, tax-free, paid on top of base pay.
  • Plus housing allowance (BAH)Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is paid on top of base pay and is tax-free, but it varies by duty-station ZIP code, pay grade, and whether you have dependents — there is no single nationwide figure. Use the official DoD BAH calculator for your assignment location.DoD BAH rate lookup →

Source: DFAS 2026 active-duty basic pay tables (3.8% raise, effective Jan 1 2026) · last verified 2026-05-23 · date retrieved 2026-05-23.

Eligibility notes

What 1C6X1 candidates should check.

  • The current Space Force recruiting page publishes this career as Space Systems Operator and lists an Electronics ASVAB minimum score of 60.
  • You may see this same career listed under two codes: 1C6X1 is the older Air Force code and 5C0X1 is the current Space Force specialty code. They refer to the same Space Systems Operator job, so this page covers both.
  • The source lists 75 days at Vandenberg SFB, CA, for Enlisted Undergraduate Space Training; this page rounds that job-specific training to about 11 weeks.

What ASVAB score does Space Systems Operator require?

The Space Force recruiting page lists a qualifying ASVAB Electronics minimum score of 60 for Space Systems Operator. This page also keeps AFQT 50 as the Space Force floor. Source: spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator, last verified 2026-06-15.

Is 5C0X1 the same job as 1C6X1 Space Systems Operator?

Yes. 1C6X1 is the older Air Force code and 5C0X1 is the current Space Force specialty code for the same Space Systems Operator career, so the same ASVAB Electronics minimum of 60 and AFQT 50 floor apply. Source: spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator, last verified 2026-06-15.

What are the specialty requirements for 1C6X1 Space Systems Operator?

The Space Force Space Systems Operator specialty (1C6X1) requires a minimum AFQT of 50 and E of at least 60, with initial training of about 11 weeks. Those are the ASVAB-based entry requirements; a recruiter confirms the full enlistment picture (medical, background, and current openings). Source: spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator, last verified 2026-06-15.

How long is 1C6X1 Space Systems Operator training?

1C6X1 initial training runs about 11 weeks. Source: spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator, last verified 2026-06-15.

Source: spaceforce.com Space Systems Operator · last verified 2026-06-15 · date retrieved 2026-06-15.

Nearby targets

Related Space Force score targets.

Related

Practice AFQT plus 1C6X1 line-score subtests.

AFQT + E practice targets

Independent test-prep — not affiliated with DoD or the ASVAB program. See officialasvab.com for the test program.

Sources