MARCH 21, 2025 – 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.
“I enjoyed virtually joining everyone at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., for the T-10 Miler to kick off a week highlighting the 5th birthday of the Space Force. My race time comes with an asterisk if you consider the microgravity working in my favor! But like life, it’s not about the time, but the distance covered and the perspective gained along the way,” Hague said.
On Jan. 16, 2025, Hague conducted a six-hour spacewalk alongside an Expedition 72 crewmate. This extravehicular activity involved replacing a station component and servicing an external research instrument for space-based observations, ensuring the continued functionality of key space systems.
Throughout his mission, Hague connected with students worldwide, engaging with schools such as Iowa State University, the Denver School of Science and Technology, and Department of Defense Educational Activity schools. These live space-to-Earth calls allowed students to ask questions about space exploration, astronaut training, and scientific research in microgravity. Hague also answered prerecorded student inquiries about food production in space, CubeSat technology, and the potential for future space missions beyond low Earth orbit.
“Being able to engage with students and showcase the cutting-edge research taking place on space station is vital. In doing so, we underscore the opportunities a STEM education creates and the critical role STEM education plays in driving future innovation. We have to inspire the next generation of explorers, both for space and here on Earth, and let them see it is possible to turn their dreams into reality,” Hague said.
Hague’s return was initially scheduled for early March but was delayed due to adjustments in the Crew-10 mission timeline. He and his Crew-9 colleagues remained aboard the space station and continued their research supporting the station’s operations. NASA astronaut Maj. Nichole Ayers, U.S. Air Force officer and F-22 Raptor pilot, arrived on station, March 16, 2025, as part of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission. Ayers took over operational duties and continued scientific research and experiments initiated by Hague and his crew.
Prior to launch, Ayers said she could not wait to high five Nick when she gets to the space station. “Getting to work with such an amazing human has been wonderful. In fact, there will be representatives from each of the service academies while we are there! Suni Williams is a Naval Academy Grad and Anne McClain (our Crew-10 commander) went to West Point. What a cool representation of our service academies and the opportunities we all have through our different services,” Ayers said.
Hague and his crewmates returned aboard the Dragon spacecraft, which landed off the coast of Florida, March 18 at 5:57 p.m. (EDT). After landing, recovery teams assisted the crew which will undergo medical evaluations and post-mission debriefings.
As part of standard post-flight procedures, Hague will undergo physical rehabilitation to adjust to Earth’s gravity and participate in briefings to share insights from his mission.
Hague has now logged more than 350 days in space across multiple missions. His time on the space station provided valuable data on astronaut health, supported international partnerships, and helped prepare for future missions beyond Earth’s orbit.
By Staff Sgt. Emmeline James
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs