  The need for space test professionals is growing rapidly, due to
establishment of the US Space Force and the extremely rapid growth of the
commercial space industry. The future of space test looks bright and complex; a
better training foundation is needed to impart test-mindedness to all space
professionals to enable this future. Discussed from a military perspective, but
applicable across the space industry, there are three critical aspects of
foundational training: (1) Realistic trainers and simulators: Representative
simulators are the safest way to gain repetitions in dynamic decision-making,
satellite envelope expansion, fault response, and to develop ways to operate
through a contested, degraded, and operationally limited (CDO) environment.
This paper introduces a new term encompassing the variables of space maneuver
(GET CLASS) as a standard for US Space Force training simulators; (2)
Interoperable Software Tools: Adapt to new software tools without reliance on a
checklist. Common standards and interfaces must be developed and enforced; and
(3) Cross-functional networking: Operations, test, engineering, and program
management communities must work hand-in-hand to deliver effective
capabilities. Blending career fields and mission areas inspires innovation and
propagates improved capabilities across the space industry.
