📋 Tender Overview
U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague returned to Earth following a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, March 18, 2025.
Hague launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Sept. 28, 2024, as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. His flight marked a significant moment in the history of the Space Force, as he became the first active-duty Guardian to fly to space and one of the first humans to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
“I never would have imagined that I was going to be the first Guardian to launch into space. I represent all those Guardians that are around the globe. I represent that entire family that brings so much to the table that lets us explore space and it’s a thrill to be a part of that,” he said.
“Welcome home, Nick, and congratulations on your second return from the ISS,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “We’re all excited to have you back, and we’re ready to leverage your experiences and expertise in the Space Force.”
While aboard the space station, he participated in over 150 scientific investigations, completed a six-hour spacewalk, and interacted with students worldwide to discuss space exploration and technology.
During his mission, Hague took several significant items to space, including the official sheet music for the Space Force song "Semper Supra." The sheet music symbolized the branch's expanding presence in space and its commitment to safeguarding U.S. interests. He also brought mission patches and personal mementos to honor the service members, scientists and engineers who contribute to space operations.
“As the first member of the Space Force to launch into orbit, he embodies our Guardian Spirit,” Saltzman said. “His dedication to scientific discovery is remarkable, his effort to inspire the next generation of space pioneers is commendable, and his commitment to serving our nation is unwavering. We’re incredibly proud.”
A key component of Hague's mission was his participation in more than 150 scientific experiments designed to advance human spaceflight and improve life on Earth. His research included blood clotting studies, microgravity plant growth, and vision changes in astronauts—issues critical for future long-duration space missions. These studies aimed to improve medical treatments, enhance food sustainability in space and provide insights into how extended exposure to microgravity affects the human body.
"The experiments we are conducting on ISS are pushing the boundaries of science and solving real-world problems. Whether it's finding new treatments for diseases, discovering new material properties, learning to grow food more efficiently, or ensuring the health of future space explorers, the on-going research aboard the space station can and has improved life for everyone back on Earth," Hague said.
In addition to his scientific contributions, Hague participated in physical fitness activities aboard the space station, emphasizing the importance of astronaut health during long-duration missions. He took part in the Space Force T-Minus 10 Miler virtually, running 10 miles on the station's treadmill in approximately 90 minutes — the same time it takes for the orbiting laboratory to complete one orbit around Earth.
