The US Space Force is making history by sending its first Guardian into space. Col. Nick Hague, a member of the Space Force, will pilot a NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as August. 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. It became the first branch addition to the nation’s armed forces in over 70 years. The Space Force, often referred to as Guardians, plays a crucial role in supporting NASA’s human spaceflight program.
Col. Hague, who transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force in 2021, will serve as a flight engineer upon arrival at the ISS. The crew will conduct various operations and research activities during their more than six-month mission. The primary focus will be on performing science experiments and collecting data.
“The core of our mission on the space station is to perform science experiments and collect data,” said Col. Hague. “The International Space Station provides a unique platform in microgravity, which allows researchers from around the world to explore and discover processes that could have a significant impact on the behavior of our bodies and the environment around us both on Earth and off-planet.”
The US Space Force’s involvement in space missions is vital for the success of NASA’s endeavors. From GPS satellites that support navigation systems to space domain awareness sites that help prevent orbital debris collisions with the ISS, the Guardians provide critical support.
Col. Hague expressed his appreciation for the role of Guardians in enabling NASA’s human spaceflight program. “Guardians provide critical support without which our NASA human spaceflight program wouldn’t be possible,” he said.
This upcoming mission will be Col. Hague’s first launch as a USSF Guardian but his third launch overall. His experience and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the mission.
The US Space Force’s foray into space with its first Guardian is a testament to the growing importance of space exploration and the need for dedicated military branches to support such endeavors. As the Space Force continues to evolve and expand its capabilities, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration and defense.
The launch of Col. Hague and his crew in August will mark a significant milestone for the US Space Force and the nation’s space program as a whole. It represents a step forward in our understanding of space and the potential it holds for scientific discoveries and advancements. The Guardians are paving the way for future missions and ensuring that the US remains at the forefront of space exploration.