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Nick Hague

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This article is about the American astronaut. For the Canadian ice hockey player, see Nicolas Hague.

Nick Hague
Hague in 2024
Born
Tyler Nicklaus Hague

(1975-09-24) 24 September 1975 (age 49)
Belleville, Kansas, U.S.
Education
Space career
NASA astronaut
RankColonel, US Space Force
Time in space
373 days, 20 hours, 25 minutes
SelectionNASA Group 21 (2013)
Total EVAs
4
Total EVA time
25 hours, 56 minutes
Missions
Mission insignia

Tyler Nicklaus "Nick" Hague (born 24 September 1975) is a United States Space Force colonel and NASA astronaut, selected as part of the 2013 astronaut class.[1][2] Hague's first spaceflight was aboard Soyuz MS-10 on 11 October 2018, which was aborted shortly after launch. His second mission, Soyuz MS-12, successfully launched on 14 March 2019, where he joined Expedition 59/60 aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as a flight engineer.[3] Hague later commanded SpaceX Crew-9, transporting the crew of Expedition 72 to the ISS. The Crew-9 mission also included astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, both of whom had previously participated in the Boeing Crew Flight Test in June 2024. The Crew-9 team returned to Earth on 18 March 2025.[4]

Education

[edit]

Hague was born in Belleville, Kansas in 1975. He attended Peabody-Burns Elementary School, in Peabody, Kansas, while his father was the principal of Peabody-Burns High School from 1982 to 1989.[5] In 1994, Nick graduated from Hoxie High School in Hoxie, Kansas, while his father was superintendent of the school district.[6]

In 1998, he completed a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and continued to study and graduate with a MS in Aerospace Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000.

U.S. Air Force and Space Force career

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Hague joined the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as second lieutenant in May 1998. He was assigned to the Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico in August 2000, working on advanced spacecraft technologies.

In 2003, Hague attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School, in Edwards Air Force Base, California. Following graduation in 2004, he was assigned to the 416th Flight Test Squadron and tested the F-16, F-15 and T-38 aircraft.

Hague was deployed in Iraq for five months in 2004, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and conducting experimental airborne reconnaissance.

In 2006, Hague started teaching courses in the Department of Astronautics faculty at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado. He has taught courses in introductory astronautics, linear control system analysis and design.

In 2009, Hague received a fellowship for the Air Force Fellows program in Washington, D.C.

From 2012 until 2013 Hague worked in the Department of Defense as Deputy Chief of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.

Hague was promoted to colonel in 2016.[7] His transfer to the U.S. Space Force was approved in December 2020.[8] In 2019, Hague served as the Space Force's director of Test and Evaluation at the Pentagon.[9]

Although Colonel Michael S. Hopkins became the first Space Force guardian in space when he transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force while onboard the International Space Station, Hague is the first guardian to launch into space.[10]

NASA career

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Hague was selected by NASA as part of Astronaut Group 21 and completed training in July 2015, making him available for future missions.[2]

Hague was the first astronaut of the 2013 NASA astronaut class to be selected for a mission; he was slated to be a flight engineer for Expedition 57/58.

Soyuz MS-10 (aborted)

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Hague (top) and Alexey Ovchinin (bottom) wave farewell prior to boarding the Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft on 11 October 2018

On 11 October 2018, Hague and Aleksey Ovchinin launched aboard the Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft, en route to the International Space Station. However, during the ascent, one of the rocket's side boosters collided with the core stage at an altitude of approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles), causing an explosion. In response, the spacecraft automatically activated its launch escape system, pulling the crew away from the failing rocket and reaching an apogee of 93 km (58 mi).[11][12][6]

Although the crew was safe, the spacecraft was forced into a ballistic descent, during which they experienced forces of six to seven times Earth's gravity. Despite the intense descent, the crew landed safely 19 minutes and 41 seconds after liftoff, approximately 20 km (12 mi) east of Jezkazgan, Kazakhstan and about 402 km (250 mi) downrange from the launch site.[13] A search and rescue team quickly confirmed that both astronauts were in good health.[14][15]

The failed launch led to the temporary grounding of all crewed Soyuz missions. An investigation revealed that a manufacturing error in the rocket's side booster, specifically a damaged joint, prevented proper separation during flight.[16][17]

Though the spacecraft did not cross the Kármán line at 100 km (62 mi), the USAF defines the boundary of space at 80 km (50 mi), technically qualifying Hague for the United States Astronaut Badge. Instead, Hague was awarded a custom NASA Astronaut Pin made of tin, as opposed to the gold pin typically given to astronauts who have flown in space.[18][19]

Expedition 59/60

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Hague working in the Columbus module during Expedition 60

Hague launched successfully to the International Space Station (ISS) on 14 March 2019, aboard Soyuz MS-12, alongside Ovchinin and fellow NASA astronaut Christina Koch. The trio joined Commander Oleg Kononenko and Flight Engineers David Saint-Jacques and Anne McClain on Expedition 59.[3] After the departure of Kononenko, Saint-Jacques, and McClain in July 2019, Ovchinin, Hague, and Koch transitioned to Expedition 60, with Ovchinin taking command of the station. The crew would return to Earth in early October 2019.[20]

It was under consideration for Hague to stay on the ISS after the landing of Soyuz MS-12, transferring to Soyuz MS-15 in order to return with a cosmonaut from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre of the United Arab Emirates. If this plan had proceeded, Hague would have spent over 14 months aboard the ISS, a mission comparable in length to Valeri Polyakov's Soyuz TM-18/Soyuz TM-20 mission to the Mir space station, which lasted 437 days, 17 hours, and 58 minutes— the longest single spaceflight in history. However, in a February 2019 interview, Hague confirmed that his mission would last 204 days, and the extended stay was no longer an option.[21]

On 22 March 2019, Hague and fellow NASA astronaut Anne McClain conducted their first spacewalk, lasting 6 hours and 39 minutes. During the EVA, they installed adapter plates while Dextre swapped the ISS batteries. They also removed debris from the Unity module in preparation for the arrival of Cygnus NG-11 in April, stowed tools for the repair of the flex hose rotary coupler, and secured tiebacks on the solar array blanket boxes.[22]

On 29 March 2019, Hague performed his second EVA with Koch. The spacewalk was originally intended to be the first all-female EVA, however, space suit issues led to Hague being assigned. The EVA lasted 6 hours and 45 minutes.[23][24]

On 21 August 2019, Hague performed his third EVA alongside NASA astronaut Andrew R. Morgan. The EVA, which lasted 6 hours and 32 minutes, involved installing a new International Docking Adapter on the Harmony module. During this EVA, Hague wore the Artemis program logo on his suit.[25]

Expedition 72

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Hague during a spacewalk wearing the Space Force Delta on his arm along with the motto

Hague served as the commander of SpaceX Crew-9 flight to the International Space Station, transporting the crew of Expedition 72.

Initially, Hague was slated to be the pilot of Crew-9. However, following changes in mission plans, he was appointed commander. The mission was originally planned to launch four crew members: NASA astronaut Zena Cardman as commander, Hague as pilot, Stephanie Wilson as mission specialist, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov as mission specialist.[26] However, due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner, which returned to Earth uncrewed, Crew-9 was adjusted to accommodate two open seats for returning Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts.[27]

Following the change, NASA appointed Hague as the commander of Crew-9 due to his prior spaceflight experience.[28][29] To accommodate these changes, Hague and Gorbunov (who would now occupy the pilot's seat) worked with NASA, SpaceX, Cardman, and Wilson to modify the mission's tasks to identify how Hague could assume many of the tasks typically divided between the commander and pilot, and determine which tasks could be assigned to Gorbunov.[30]

Hague performed his fourth EVA on 16 January 2025, alongside Expedition 72 commander Sunita Williams. During the six-hour spacewalk, the pair replaced a rate gyro assembly, installed patches on the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope, replaced a reflector on the International Docking Adapter on Harmony's zenith side, and conducted checks for future maintenance work on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.[31] During this EVA, Hague wore the Space Force Delta on his arm, along with the Space Force motto "Semper Supra" (Latin for 'always above').

Honors and awards

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During his service in the Air Force and Space Force, Hague has received the following awards:[7][32]

Badges

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Senior Astronaut Observer Badge
Senior Space Operations Badge
Space Staff Badge
USAF Test Pilot School Graduate Patch

Ribbons

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Defense Superior Service Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 crimson ribbon with a pair of width-2 white stripes on the edges
 Legion of Merit with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 crimson ribbon with two width-8 white stripes at distance 4 from the edges. Meritorious Service Medal
Silver oak leaf cluster
 Air Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Aerial Achievement Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air and Space Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Combat Action Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Award
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
Bronze star
Width=44 scarlet ribbon with a central width-4 golden yellow stripe, flanked by pairs of width-1 scarlet, white, Old Glory blue, and white stripes
 National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
Bronze star
 Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame
Silver oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air and Space Longevity Service Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon

Awards

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  • Distinguished Graduate, United States Air Force Academy
  • Distinguished Graduate and top flight test engineer, United States Air Force Test Pilot School Class 03A
  • Order of Courage, Russian Federation[33]

Personal life

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Hague met his wife, Col. Catie Hague, in 1996 at the Air Force Academy. They have two sons. Hague is a Doctor Who fan.[34]

References

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

  1. ^ National Aeronautics and Space Administration. "2013 Astronaut Class". NASA. Archived from the original on 21 June 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  2. ^ a b "NASA's Newest Astronauts Complete Training". NASA. 9 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b Gebhardt, Chris (14 March 2019). "Soyuz MS-12 docks with the Space Station – NASASpaceFlight.com". NASASpaceflight.com.
  4. ^ "Welcome Home! NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Back on Earth After Science Mission". NASA. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
  5. ^ "Astronaut on NASA launch attended school in Peabody". Peabody Gazette-Bulletin. 17 October 2018. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  6. ^ a b "Family, world watches as rocket carrying Kansas astronaut fails". The Wichita Eagle. 11 October 2018. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Astronaut Biography: Tyler N. Hague" (PDF). nasa.gov. March 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  8. ^ "PN2387 — Space Force". www.congress.gov. 20 December 2020. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  9. ^ "Space Force Guardian set to launch to International Space Station on NASA mission". 31 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Space Force Guardian set to launch to International Space Station on NASA mission". 31 January 2024.
  11. ^ Strickland, Ashley (20 October 2018). "Astronaut recounts harrowing failed space launch". CNN. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  12. ^ Dent, Steve (11 October 2018). "Soyuz astronauts safe after failure forced an emergency landing". Engadget. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  13. ^ Burghardt, Thomas (18 October 2018). "NASA and Roscosmos trying to avoid an empty Space Station – NASASpaceflight.com". NASASpaceflight.com. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  14. ^ Hodge, Nathan; Smith-Spark, Laura (11 October 2018). "Astronauts survive Soyuz rocket emergency landing". CNN. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  15. ^ Bridenstine, Jim [@JimBridenstine] (11 October 2018). "@NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin are in good condition following today's aborted launch. I'm grateful that everyone is safe. A thorough investigation into the cause of the incident will be conducted. Full statement below: …" (Tweet) – via Twitter. anomaly with the booster and the launch ascent was aborted
  16. ^ "Roscosmos reveals cause for Soyuz launch failure". AzerNews. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  17. ^ "Роскосмос. Госкомиссия приступила к работе на РКЦ «Прогресс» 15.10.2018 10:15". Roscosmos.ru. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  18. ^ "NASA - Schneider walks the Walk". www.nasa.gov. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  19. ^ "Soyuz MS-10 | How a Russian Rocket Launch Failed In 118 Seconds". 22 March 2023. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  20. ^ "NASA Astronaut Nick Hague Set for New Space Station Mission – Space Station". blogs.nasa.gov. Archived from the original on 4 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  21. ^ "Launching Again After Soyuz Abort - Astronaut Nick Hague Interview". YouTube. 22 February 2019. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021.
  22. ^ "Spacewalkers Complete Battery Swaps for Station Power Upgrades – Space Station". blogs.nasa.gov. Archived from the original on 2 June 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  23. ^ Berger, Eric (26 March 2019). "It's unfortunate NASA canceled the all-female EVA, but it's the right decision". Ars Technica.
  24. ^ "EVAs of Nicklaus Hague". spacefacts.de. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  25. ^ Elizabeth Howell (24 August 2019). "NASA's Artemis Moon Program Just Photobombed a Spacewalk (Photo)". spaceflight.com.
  26. ^ Doyle, Tiernan P. (17 July 2024). "NASA, SpaceX Invite Media to Watch Crew-9 Launch to Space Station". NASA. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  27. ^ Taveau, Jessica (24 August 2024). "NASA Decides to Bring Starliner Spacecraft Back to Earth Without Crew". NASA. Retrieved 24 August 2024.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  28. ^ Donaldson, Abbey A. (30 August 2024). "NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 Changes Ahead of September Launch". NASA. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  29. ^ Berger, Eric (23 August 2024). "Cards on the table: Are Butch and Suni coming home on Starliner or Crew Dragon?". Ars Technica. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  30. ^ Turner, Dane (20 September 2024). "Crew-9". Houston, We Have a Podcast (Podcast). NASA. Retrieved 26 September 2024. So now we have to do the pilot and the commander role as a single person, you know, so there's not going to be a pilot there. Now we have had three weeks of training and it's been awesome to watch the full team come together, to watch the SpaceX team, to watch the NASA team surge and just roll your sleeves up and figure out, okay, how do we need to change things? And it's, you know, we've had previously flown Dragon crew members in the astronaut office that have helped support us. Zena and Stephanie have been integral to this effort and have pointed out and helped us come up with some great ways to understand what we can and can't do given the training that Alex has cause he's there, he's been through this training for two years. And so, there are things that he is extremely capable of doing that I would do as a pilot. And so we want to leverage those. But there's also a lot of things that he hasn't been trained on. And so we identify where those limitations are and then, and then I figure out what I need to do in order to cover down on all of that.
  31. ^ Davenport, Justin (24 January 2025). "Spacewalks resume from U.S. segment of ISS after six month hiatus". NASASpaceflight. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  32. ^ "Space Force Guardian set to launch to International Space Station on NASA mission". 31 January 2024.
  33. ^ Hero US Astronaut Awarded by Putin For Surviving Harrowing Failed Space Launch, Not Giving Up!, Vesti News, 9 October 2019
  34. ^ Five things you didn't know about Nick Hague, NASA Johnson Space Center, 10 October 2018
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