NASA astronaut Brig. Gen. Nick Hague has officially retired from the agency, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned two spaceflight missions, 374 days in space, and numerous spacewalks. Hague will now continue his service in the U.S. Space Force, where he will play a pivotal role in shaping its future operations.
Hague’s journey into space began aboard the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft in March 2019. Launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, he embarked on his first long-duration mission, serving as a flight engineer during Expeditions 59/60. Over the course of this 203-day mission, Hague conducted three spacewalks, focusing on upgrading the International Space Station’s power systems and supporting its ongoing maintenance.
Space Missions and Contributions
During his time aboard the International Space Station, Hague was instrumental in a variety of scientific investigations. His work spanned multiple disciplines, including biology, human physiology, materials science, and technology demonstrations, contributing significantly to the understanding of life and work in space.
Hague’s initial assignment was with the Soyuz MS-10 crew in 2018. However, the mission faced a launch anomaly shortly after liftoff, leading to a high-G ballistic abort. Despite the setback, Hague and his crewmate landed safely, and he returned to flight status within months, successfully completing his 2019 mission.
Hague’s career continued to soar with NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission in September 2024. This mission was historic, being the first human spaceflight launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It also marked the first instance of a Space Force Guardian launching to space.
Leadership and Legacy
Hague’s second mission saw him join the Expedition 72 crew, spending 171 days aboard the station before returning in March 2025 with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. During this mission, Hague completed another spacewalk, bringing his career total to 25 hours and 56 minutes across four spacewalks.
“Nick’s determination and dedication to human space exploration are truly phenomenal,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “His leadership and commitment to mission excellence have supported progress aboard the International Space Station and prepared us for future missions as we continue to explore farther into the solar system.”
Beyond his flight experience, Hague served in various technical and leadership roles within NASA. He contributed to the development of future spacecraft operations, astronaut training, and human spaceflight safety initiatives, drawing on his firsthand experience during the MS-10 launch abort.
“Nick brought calm, clarity, and a spirit of teamwork to every situation,” said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson. “From his work in orbit to his support of crew operations here on Earth, he exemplified what it means to be an astronaut. His impact will continue to shape the missions and the astronauts who follow.”
Future Role in U.S. Space Force
A native of Hoxie, Kansas, Hague is a brigadier general in the U.S. Space Force. In his new role, he will oversee the development and implementation of policy for all U.S. Space Force global operations, sustainment, training, and readiness. This transition represents a significant step in his career, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in space exploration and military operations.
Hague’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in astronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before joining NASA in 2013, he served in developmental and test engineer roles, supporting advanced Air Force technologies and operations both domestically and internationally.
Reflecting on his career, Hague expressed gratitude for his time at NASA. “It has been an honor to serve as a NASA astronaut,” he said. “Working alongside incredible teams, on the ground and in space, has been the privilege of a lifetime. The International Space Station represents the very best of what humanity can accomplish when we work together. I am grateful to have contributed to that mission, and I look forward to watching NASA, our partners, and the next generation of explorers push even farther as we return to the Moon and journey on to Mars.”
As Hague moves forward with the U.S. Space Force, his legacy at NASA will undoubtedly inspire future generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts. His career exemplifies the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge that drives humanity to reach beyond the stars.
