US Space Force celebrates return of 1st Guardian to launch to space (photos) – Space.com
“We’re all excited to have you back, and we’re ready to leverage your experiences and expertise in the Space Force.”
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U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague is back on Earth after living on the International Space Station (ISS) for the last five-plus months.On March 18, Hague splashed down in the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon capsule “Freedom” with fellow NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.Hague holds the distinction of being the first Space Force Guardian to launch into orbit. As a member of the Crew-9 mission, Hague’s trip began aboard Freedom, which lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Sept. 28, 2024.”I never would have imagined that I was going to be the first Guardian to launch into space,” Hague said in a post-splashdown statement. “I represent all those Guardians that are around the globe. I represent that entire family that brings so much to the table that lets us explore space, and it’s a thrill to be a part of that.”Related: Dolphins welcome SpaceX’s Crew-9 astronauts home after splashdown (video)Hague was busy during his ISS stay, helping with over 150 scientific experiments. His work included studies on blood clotting and how astronauts’ vision changes in space. He also looked into how plants grow in microgravity. These studies could be foundational for future missions, such as the journey to Mars’, which will require long voyages through the final frontier.”The experiments we are conducting on ISS are pushing the boundaries of science and solving real-world problems,” Hague said. “Whether it’s finding new treatments for diseases, discovering new material properties, learning to grow food more efficiently, or ensuring the health of future space explorers, the ongoing research aboard the space station can and has improved life for everyone back on Earth.”Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!— SpaceX launches relief crew for NASA’s beleaguered Starliner astronauts on ISS (video)— NASA moves up return date for Boeing Starliner astronauts after swapping SpaceX Dragon spacecraft— International Space Station: Everything you need to knowHague’s time on the ISS also included some important maintenance for the orbiting laboratory. During a six-hour spacewalk on Jan. 16, for example, Hague helped to replace a station component. He also serviced a research instrument on the outside of the ISS that’s required for space-related observation.When Hague launched last year, he brought a few items with him, including sheet music for the Space Force song “Semper Supra,” which the military branch says “symbolized the branch’s expanding presence in space and its commitment to safeguarding U.S. interests.” Other significant items Hague brought to space included mission patches and mementos honoring contributions for service members, scientists, and engineers.”Welcome home, Nick, and congratulations on your second return from the ISS,” Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, said in the same statement. “We’re all excited to have you back, and we’re ready to leverage your experiences and expertise in the Space Force.”Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.Julian Dossett is a freelance writer living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He primarily covers the rocket industry and space exploration and, in addition to science writing, contributes travel stories to New Mexico Magazine. In 2022 and 2024, his travel writing earned IRMA Awards. Previously, he worked as a staff writer at CNET. He graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos in 2011 with a B.A. in philosophy. He owns a large collection of sci-fi pulp magazines from the 1960s.Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.’Earth to Space’ art festival set to launch at Kennedy Center this weekNew Barbie doll celebrates 60 years as an astronaut, but forgets when humans first flew into spaceNew documentary ‘Children of the Sky’ asks the bold question: Can we raise kids in space? (op-ed)
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