Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Sign In
Science & Tech

First Space Force Guardian to Go to Space Shares His Cosmic Experiences

Colonel Nick Hague visited Vandenberg Space Force Base to discuss his recent trip to the International Space Station and the future of space exploration.

First Space Force Guardian to Go to Space Shares His Cosmic Experiences

Colonel Nick Hague, the first U.S. Space Force Guardian to be launched into space, always gravitated toward the cosmos. As a child, the night sky piqued his curiosity and inspired a drive to explore the unknown.

He chased that dream and is now a NASA astronaut who has logged more than 350 total days in space across various missions. He recently returned to Earth in March after 170 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Speaking Wednesday at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Hague reflected on the experience of being in orbit and a unique mission: bringing home astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had to stay behind on the ISS after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned in June 2024.

Col. Nick Hague, the first Space Force Guardian to travel to space, spoke at Vandenberg last Wednesday about his experiences. | Credit: Callie Fausey