Historic Milestone: US Space Force's First Guardian Returns from Space!

In a groundbreaking event for the U.S. Space Force, Colonel Nick Hague has returned to Earth after an impressive five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Hague splashed down on March 18, 2024, in the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon capsule named 'Freedom,' alongside fellow NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Col. Hague has made history as the very first Guardian of the Space Force to venture into orbit. His remarkable journey commenced with a launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28, 2023, aboard the Falcon 9 rocket. In a heartfelt post-splashdown statement, Hague reflected on his unique achievement, stating, 'I never would have imagined that I was going to be the first Guardian to launch into space. I represent all those Guardians around the globe, bringing so much to the table that allows us to explore space, and it's a thrill to be a part of that.'

During his time on the ISS, Hague was not just floating through space; he was actively engaged in a multitude of scientific experiments—over 150 in total! His research ranged from groundbreaking studies on blood clotting to the effects of microgravity on vision and the growth of plants in space. Such experiments are pivotal for future long-duration missions, particularly those aimed at Mars.

Hague emphasized the significance of these studies: 'The experiments we conduct on the ISS are pushing the boundaries of science and addressing real-world challenges. Whether it's finding new treatments for diseases, discovering novel material properties, or learning how to grow food more efficiently, our ongoing research has the potential to improve life for everyone back on Earth.'

In addition to conducting experiments, Hague played a critical role in maintaining the ISS. For example, during a six-hour spacewalk on January 16, he helped replace key components of the station and serviced important research instruments needed for space observations.

Before launching, Hague carried with him mementos that held deep meaning for the Space Force, including sheet music for the branch's official song, “Semper Supra.” This symbolized the Space Force's commitment to safeguarding U.S. interests beyond our planet. He also brought mission patches to honor the contributions of service members, scientists, and engineers.

The Space Force community has welcomed Hague back with open arms. Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman remarked, 'Welcome home, Nick, and congratulations on your second return from the ISS. We're excited to have you back and look forward to leveraging your experiences and expertise as we advance our mission in space.'

The return of Col. Nick Hague marks not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone in the Space Force’s journey toward exploration and securing U.S. interests in outer space. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the stories of our brave Guardians venturing into the cosmos!