Space Force Sends First Guardian into Space
The US Space Force is sending its first Guardian into space, marking a historic moment for the organization.
US Space Force Sends First Guardian into Space
The US Space Force is set to send its first Guardian into space as early as August. This marks a significant milestone in the four-year history of the Space Force. Col. Nick Hague, a USSF Guardian, will pilot a NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He will be accompanied by two NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut.
The crew, known as Crew-9, will travel aboard the Dragon, a SpaceX spacecraft. Upon reaching the ISS, Hague will take on the role of a flight engineer, joining the team in conducting various operations and research activities throughout their more than six-month mission.
According to a USSF press release, Hague expressed the importance of the mission: "The core of our mission on the space station is to perform science experiments and collect data. The International Space Station provides a unique platform for researchers to explore and discover processes that could have a significant impact on our bodies and the environment both on Earth and in space."
US Space Force: A Youngest Branch in the US Military
Established in December 2019, the US Space Force is the newest addition to the US military branches, with a history of only four years. It joined long-standing branches such as the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and US National Guard. The creation of Space Force marked the first addition to the nation's armed forces in over 70 years.
Col. Hague's upcoming mission as a Guardian will be his third launch in total. He transitioned from the Air Force to the Space Force in 2021, as stated on his NASA profile. Speaking about the crucial role of Guardians, Hague highlighted the various support they provide to NASA's human spaceflight program, from navigation systems to space domain awareness sites and launch ranges.
The Future of Space Exploration
The inclusion of a USSF Guardian on a NASA mission marks a significant step forward in the collaboration between the US Space Force and NASA. This joint effort is expected to pave the way for future space exploration endeavors, enhancing scientific research and advancements in understanding microgravity.
As the US Space Force continues to establish its presence in space, it will play a vital role in securing and protecting US interests beyond Earth. With missions like Crew-9, the Space Force and its Guardians are demonstrating their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while maintaining national security in the space domain.
