US Space Force Sends First Guardian into Space on NASA Mission
The US Space Force is making history by sending its first Guardian into space in August. Col. Nick Hague, a member of the newly formed Space Force, will pilot a NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Accompanying him on the Crew-9 mission will be two NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut. This marks a significant milestone for the US Space Force, which was established just four years ago.
The Guardian program is a key initiative of the US Space Force, and Col. Hague’s mission to the ISS will be the first time a Guardian is sent into space. The crew will travel aboard the Dragon spacecraft, developed by SpaceX, and upon reaching the ISS, Hague will transition to the role of flight engineer. During their more than six-month mission, the crew will engage in various operations and research activities.
According to a press release from the US Space Force, Hague emphasized the importance of their mission on the ISS. He stated, “The core of our mission on the space station is to perform science experiments and collect data.” The microgravity environment of the ISS provides a unique platform for researchers worldwide to explore and understand processes that impact our bodies and the environment both on Earth and beyond.
Established in December 2019, the US Space Force is the newest addition to the US military branches. It joins long-standing branches such as the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and US National Guard. The inclusion of the Space Force marked the first branch addition to the nation’s armed forces in over 70 years.
For Col. Hague, this mission will be his first launch as a USSF Guardian but his third launch overall. He recently transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force in 2021. In a statement, Hague acknowledged the crucial role of Guardians in supporting NASA’s human spaceflight program. He mentioned the significance of GPS satellites, space domain awareness sites, and launch ranges that enable the success of missions like theirs.
The US Space Force’s inaugural Guardian mission to space represents a significant step forward in the nation’s space exploration endeavors. As the Space Force continues to evolve and establish its presence, the contributions of Guardians like Col. Hague will play a vital role in advancing scientific research and exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries.
Sources:
– Business Insider