Tallahassee, Florida. (March 18, 2025): In this photo by NASA’s Keegan Barber, a pod of dolphins greets the SpaceX Dragon capsule after its successful splashdown off the coast of Florida. The flight marked a significant moment in history as Colonel Nick Hague became the first active-duty Space Force Guardian in space. During his 171 days aloft, Col. Hague logged 72,553,920 miles and completed 2,736 orbits of the Earth.

The U.S. Space Force, established in 2019, is the sixth branch of the US military with a mission to secure America’s interests in space. The agency is responsible for launching and operating satellites, developing and deploying space-based capabilities, and conducting research on space technologies. Guardians also monitor satellites, track space debris, and guard against a surprise missile attack on the U.S. They are also charged with protecting vital communications, navigation, and intelligence gathering operations in space from hostile interference.

During his six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, Hague conducted numerous research projects on blood clotting, how microgravity effects plant growth, and vision changes experienced by astronauts during long-duration flights. He and a crewmate also conducted a six-hour space walk to repair an external research instrument.

He even found time to interact with students worldwide via live space-to-earth video conferences. He discussed space exploration while answering questions about astronaut training and what it is like living in microgravity. 

As part of standard post-flight procedures, Hague will undergo physical rehabilitation to adjust to Earth's gravity before returning to duty.