First USSF Guardian launches into space with NASA mission

Published Sept. 28, 2024
By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- For the first time, a U.S. Space Force Guardian was launched into space from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, as part of the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station, Sept. 28.

A rocket launches from Cape Canaveral. — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Sept. 28, 2024. The rocket carried U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague in a Dragon spacecraft that he is set to pilot to the International Space Station. This Crew-9 launch marks the first time a Guardian has launched into space. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Contreras)

Col. Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, will command the mission and join the Expedition 72 crew aboard the ISS, where they will conduct scientific research and maintenance activities.

“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. “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 … if the Space Force and its guardians and U.S. Space Command are not doing their jobs, we don't explore space.”

As one of six U.S. military services, the Space Force secures our nation’s interests in, from, and to space to ensure space superiority, global mission operations, and assured space access. To do this, the service has strong partnerships within the space sector, to include NASA, which focuses on space science and exploration, and industry which provides commercial services to public and private customers.

While each sector has distinct roles, effective space operations are possible only with enduring partnerships.

“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,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “We also share an understanding of the importance of integrating with our allies and partners, joining Guardian values to civil space objectives for the collective good. I wish Nick all the best on his mission to the International Space Station.”

Although Hague is commanding a NASA mission, he is still a Space Force Guardian.

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

Guardians operating in space is not a typical Space Force mission - Hague is the only active-duty Guardian astronaut. However, the service plays a huge role in supporting spaceflight with missions such as GPS satellite operations, space domain awareness and launch operations.

Though the Space Force will only be celebrating its fifth anniversary December 20, the service was built from more than 60 years of military space operations. As the service looks toward the future, it will need to deliberately recruit and leverage the right talent to ensure space superiority in an era of Great Power Competition.

"Col. Nick Hague embodies the combination of Guardian values with civil space ideals. Through strategic partnerships like this, community outreach, and investments in the next generation of talent, we are setting the conditions for the Space Force's future success. I am confident that he will do us proud as he inspires our future space dreamers and explorers,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna.