Space Force Guardian to Pilot Historic NASA Mission to ISS

Written by Copernical Team Monday, 05 February 2024 20:07

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 02, 2024

In a historic collaboration between the United States Space Force and NASA, Col. Nick Hague, a distinguished Guardian of the U.S. Space Force, is set to embark on a monumental journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission. This mission marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time a member of the U.S. Space Force participates in a NASA miss

Space Force Guardian to Pilot Historic NASA Mission to ISS
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 02, 2024

In a historic collaboration between the United States Space Force and NASA, Col. Nick Hague, a distinguished Guardian of the U.S. Space Force, is set to embark on a monumental journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission. This mission marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time a member of the U.S. Space Force participates in a NASA mission to the orbiting laboratory, symbolizing the deepening partnership between the Department of Defense and NASA in the realm of space exploration and research.

Scheduled for no earlier than August, Col. Hague will serve as the pilot aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, alongside Commander Zena Cardman, Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Upon reaching the ISS, Hague will assume the role of flight engineer, contributing to a broad spectrum of operations and scientific investigations throughout their mission, which extends beyond six months.

Col. Hague, sharing insights into the mission's objectives, emphasized the unique opportunity the ISS presents for conducting science experiments in microgravity. This environment enables researchers to study processes with potential implications for human health and environmental understanding on Earth and in space. The mission will focus on a diverse array of scientific domains, including biology, biotechnology, physical science, and Earth science, continuing the tradition of leveraging the ISS as a platform for groundbreaking research.

This mission will not be Hague's first journey to space but his third launch and second stay at the ISS. His previous mission in 2018 was marked by a dramatic in-flight launch abort due to a rocket booster malfunction, showcasing the inherent risks of space travel. However, undeterred, Hague returned to space in March 2019 for a successful 203-day mission, during which he participated in three spacewalks and contributed to hundreds of scientific experiments.

Following his return in 2019, Hague played a pivotal role in the Space Force's development as its Director of Test and Evaluation before officially transferring from the Air Force to the Space Force in 2021. His transition underscores the continued evolution of military roles in space and the seamless integration of military expertise into national space endeavors.

The collaboration between the Department of Defense and NASA is not new; approximately two-thirds of NASA astronauts have military backgrounds, reflecting the synergies between military discipline and the demands of space exploration. Col. Hague's participation in the Crew-9 mission embodies this legacy of collaboration, bringing together the expertise and dedication of both organizations to advance human spaceflight.

Col. Hague's mission also highlights the critical support provided by the Space Force in ensuring the safety and success of space operations. This includes managing GPS satellites for navigation, monitoring space to prevent debris collisions with the ISS, and supporting launch operations. As Hague prepares for his journey, he represents the collective efforts of approximately 14,000 military and civilian Guardians who play a vital role in supporting NASA and commercial missions in space.

This landmark mission not only showcases the capabilities and commitment of the U.S. Space Force and NASA to explore the final frontier but also sets the stage for future collaborative ventures in space, promising new discoveries and advancements for humanity.