The Army Space Operations career field is made up of Space Professionals, including Space Operations Officers (40A), Army Astronauts (40C), and Space Operations Specialists (40D).
40As and 40Ds are technical experts who leverage capabilities and effects in and through space to support Army operations across the continuum of conflict and from the Tactical up to the Strategic levels of warfare. 40As and 40Ds integrate space capabilities and effects with terrestrial, air, sea and high-altitude based systems owned and operated by DOD, the Intelligence Community, Civil Agencies and commercial partners. Space Professionals are integrated into operations and planning positions at all organizational levels and in positions that influence, shape, research and develop, and acquire space related capabilities. Check the Army Space Knowledge Management Site (ASKMS) for more details.
40Cs are detailed to NASA to support the nation’s human space flight programs. NASA is solely responsible for selecting and managing 40Cs and selects Astronaut Candidates on an as-needed basis. Officers cannot directly access the Army Astronaut program. Being a Space Operations Officer is not a prerequisite. Eligibility requirements change with each selection board; refer to the NASA website at http://www.nasa.gov/careers/ for the most up-to-date criteria.