US Space Force Sends First ‘Guardian’ to Space

The US Space Force is making history by sending its first Guardian into space in August. This marks a significant milestone for the four-year-old branch of the military. Col. Nick Hague, a member of the US Space Force, will pilot a NASA mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Pioneering Mission

Col. Nick Hague, a USSF Guardian, is set to join the Crew-9 mission aboard the Dragon spacecraft developed by Space X. Alongside two NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut, Hague will serve as a flight engineer upon arrival at the ISS. The team will engage in various operations and research activities throughout their six-month mission, as stated by a USSF press release.

Advancing Scientific Knowledge

Hague emphasized the importance of the mission's scientific objectives. He highlighted that the ISS provides a unique environment for researchers to explore and discover processes that can impact our bodies and the surrounding environment on Earth and beyond. The core focus of the mission is to conduct science experiments and collect valuable data.

The Birth of US Space Force

Established in December 2019, the US Space Force is the newest addition to the US armed forces, following a gap of over 70 years. While the Space Force is still in its infancy compared to other long-standing branches like the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and US National Guard, it plays a crucial role in supporting NASA's human spaceflight program.

A Guardian's Contribution

Col. Nick Hague, who recently transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force, acknowledges the vital role of Guardians in enabling NASA's space missions. From providing navigation support through GPS satellites to ensuring space domain awareness and managing launch ranges, the Guardians' contributions are essential for the success of NASA's endeavors.

Overall, the US Space Force's decision to send its first Guardian to space is a significant step forward. This mission not only expands the capabilities of the branch but also highlights the collaborative efforts between different space agencies and nations to advance scientific knowledge and exploration.

Source: Business Insider

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By: kbalevic@businessinsider.com (Katie Balevic)
Title: US Space Force Sends First ‘Guardian’ to Space
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/space-force-guardian-nick-hague-spacex-rocket-iss-2024-2
Published Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2024 22:13:25 +0000