Space Force Colonel Becomes First Guardian to Launch into Space on NASA Mission

A Space Force colonel commanding a mission to safely bring back two stranded astronauts aboard the International Space Station became the first Guardian to ever launch into space over the weekend.

Col. Nick Hague, a Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, launched Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov as part of the SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 mission. The duo arrived at the International Space Station, or ISS, on Sunday evening.

Hague transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force in 2021. In a press release Saturday, Hague said his involvement with NASA's missions helps show what Guardians do to assist with space exploration.

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"I feel privileged to have the opportunity to cast a broader spotlight on everything that Guardians do to make human space flight possible," Hague said in the Space Force news release. "The average person might not understand that human space flight doesn't exist if Guardians aren't doing what they do on a day-to-day basis, whether it's launching us into space and the range support that we get there or it's tracking or navigation."

Hague, according to a NASA blog, spent his first day back aboard the ISS placing "standard emergency gear inside the newly arrived Dragon spacecraft" and brushed up on using the onboard exercise device to maintain muscle mass in outer space.

The Space Force does not create or train astronauts, but the Department of Defense has a long history of loaning out its skilled aviators and troops to NASA for space exploration missions.

"NASA and the Space Force have very different functions, but we share a common interest in the free and responsible use of the space domain," Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in a press release. "I wish Nick all the best on his mission to the International Space Station."

This is the second time Hague has been in space -- his first was while he was in the Air Force -- but Saturday's launch marked his first time as a Space Force Guardian.

Mike Hopkins, an Air Force officer, became the first Guardian in space when he took his service oath in a ceremony aboard the ISS in 2020.

The path to Hague's launch day was hectic, and it was originally scheduled for mid-August alongside Gorbunov and two other astronauts. Mechanical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft caused delays and, ultimately, left astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams -- who were supposed to be aboard the ISS for eight days but have remained there for nearly four months -- stuck longer than expected.

Hague and Gorbunov "will conduct scientific research and maintenance activities" aboard the ISS, according to the Space Force. One element of research Hague will be studying is related to potential remedies of space-related vision disorders called "spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome," NASA said on its website.

But the two will also be tasked with bringing Wilmore and Williams back home when they return.

Hague and Gorbunov are scheduled to stay aboard the ISS for five months.

"Col. Hague represents NASA, but, beneath the spacesuit, he remains a Guardian -- embodying the character, commitment, connection and courage inherent to the Guardian spirit," Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said in the news release. "I wish Nick the best of luck on his journey, and I know he will do us proud."

Related: Astronauts Stuck on Space Station Will Be Brought Back Home by Space Force Guardian