A Space Hero Steps Down: NASA Astronaut Nick Hague Retires After Remarkable Career
4-minute read
In a move that marks the end of an era, NASA astronaut Brig. Gen. Nick Hague has officially retired, leaving behind a legacy that’s truly out of this world. With 374 days in space, four spacewalks, and two groundbreaking missions under his belt, Hague’s journey is a testament to human resilience and the boundless possibilities of space exploration. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: Hague’s story isn’t just about the stars—it’s about overcoming adversity, pushing boundaries, and paving the way for future generations. And this is the part most people miss: his contributions extend far beyond his time in orbit, shaping the future of human spaceflight in ways you might not expect.
Hague’s first brush with space came in March 2019 when he launched aboard the Soyuz MS-12 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. As a flight engineer for Expeditions 59/60, he spent 203 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), conducting three spacewalks to upgrade its power systems and maintain the orbiting lab. But his work didn’t stop there—he also contributed to a diverse array of scientific experiments, from biology and human physiology to materials science and technology demonstrations. Fun fact: These experiments aren’t just for show—they’re laying the groundwork for long-term space travel and even life on other planets.
And this is where it gets controversial: Hague’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Originally slated to fly in 2018 as part of the Soyuz MS-10 crew, his mission was abruptly halted by a launch anomaly shortly after liftoff. Forced into a high-G ballistic abort, Hague and his crewmate landed safely, but the experience left an indelible mark. Was this a setback or a stepping stone? Some argue that such incidents highlight the risks of space travel, while others see them as essential lessons in improving safety. Hague himself returned to flight status within months, proving that resilience is just as critical as technical skill in the astronaut playbook.
His second mission came in September 2024 as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. This historic flight marked the first human spaceflight launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and it also made Hague the first Space Force Guardian to venture into space. During his 171-day stay on the ISS as part of Expedition 72, he conducted another spacewalk, bringing his total extravehicular activity time to 25 hours and 56 minutes. But here’s the real question: As we push farther into space, how do we balance the risks with the rewards? Hague’s career offers a compelling case study.
Beyond his missions, Hague played pivotal roles within NASA, contributing to spacecraft development, astronaut training, and human spaceflight safety initiatives. His firsthand experience with the MS-10 abort made him a unique voice in these efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and calm under pressure. Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, praised his “phenomenal determination and dedication,” while Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office, highlighted his ability to bring “calm, clarity, and a spirit of teamwork” to every situation. But is this enough? As space exploration becomes more ambitious, how do we ensure that every astronaut is equally prepared for the unexpected?
A native of Hoxie, Kansas, Hague’s roots are firmly planted in Middle America, but his impact is global. As a brigadier general in the U.S. Space Force, he continues to shape policy for global operations, sustainment, training, and readiness. With degrees in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and MIT, his technical expertise is unmatched. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As military and civilian space efforts increasingly overlap, what does this mean for the future of space exploration? Is it a collaboration or a competition?
Reflecting on his career, Hague shared, “It has been an honor to serve as a NASA astronaut. Working alongside incredible teams, on the ground and in space, has been the privilege of a lifetime.” He also emphasized the ISS as a symbol of what humanity can achieve together, adding, “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.” But what’s next for Hague? While he’s retired from NASA, his work in the Space Force ensures he’ll remain a key player in the space community.
Now, we want to hear from you: What do you think is the most important lesson from Nick Hague’s career? Is it his resilience, his technical expertise, or his ability to inspire? And as we venture deeper into space, what challenges do you think we need to address first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
To learn more about NASA’s astronauts and their contributions to space exploration, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts
Shaneequa Vereen
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
shaneequa.y.vereen@nasa.gov
