Nick Hague facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nick Hague
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Hague in 2025
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| Born |
Tyler Nicklaus Hague
24 September 1975 Belleville, Kansas, U.S.
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| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
| Rank | Brigadier General, US Space Force |
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Time in space
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373 days, 20 hours, 25 minutes |
| Selection | NASA Group 21 (2013) |
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Total EVAs
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4 |
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Total EVA time
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25 hours, 56 minutes |
| Missions |
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Mission insignia
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| Retirement | 23 December 2025 |
Tyler Nicklaus Hague, born on September 24, 1975, is a former NASA astronaut and a brigadier general in the United States Space Force. He was chosen to be an astronaut in 2013. His first trip to space in October 2018, aboard Soyuz MS-10, was stopped shortly after launch due to a rocket issue. However, he successfully launched on his second mission, Soyuz MS-12, in March 2019. During this mission, he lived and worked on the International Space Station (ISS) as a flight engineer for Expedition 59 and 60. Later, Hague commanded the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which took the crew of Expedition 72 to the ISS. This mission also brought astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth in March 2025.
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Early Life and Education
Nick Hague was born in Belleville, Kansas, in 1975. He grew up in Kansas and graduated from Hoxie High School in 1994. He then attended the United States Air Force Academy, earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1998. He continued his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2000.
Military Career: Air Force and Space Force
Nick Hague began his military career in the U.S. Air Force in May 1998. He worked on advanced spacecraft technologies at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. In 2003, he attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. After graduating, he became a test pilot, flying and testing aircraft like the F-16, F-15, and T-38. He also supported missions in Iraq in 2004, where he flew experimental reconnaissance flights. Later, Hague taught courses about space and astronautics at the United States Air Force Academy. In December 2020, he joined the United States Space Force. He was promoted to brigadier general in June 2025. As of December 2025, he helped guide the Space Force's global operations and training. He is known as the first Space Force guardian to launch into space.
Becoming a NASA Astronaut
NASA chose Nick Hague to be an astronaut in 2013. He finished his training in July 2015. He retired from NASA in December 2025, after flying two long missions to the International Space Station.
A Rocket Launch Adventure: Soyuz MS-10
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On October 11, 2018, Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksey Ovchinin began their journey to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-10 rocket. However, shortly after launch, something went wrong with the rocket. A part of the rocket broke off and hit the main section, causing a problem. Luckily, the spacecraft had a special safety system called a launch escape system. This system quickly pulled the crew capsule away from the failing rocket. Hague and Ovchinin experienced a very fast, steep fall back to Earth, feeling forces up to seven times stronger than Earth's gravity. Just 19 minutes after liftoff, they landed safely in Kazakhstan. Rescue teams quickly found them, and both astronauts were in good health. Even though their spacecraft didn't reach the official boundary of space (the Kármán line at 100 km), the U.S. Air Force considers flights above 50 miles (about 80 km) to be spaceflights. Because of this, Hague earned a special astronaut pin.
Living and Working on the International Space Station
Nick Hague successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on March 14, 2019. He traveled with Aleksey Ovchinin and fellow NASA astronaut Christina Koch aboard Soyuz MS-12. They joined Expedition 59 and later Expedition 60, where Hague worked as a flight engineer. He spent 204 days living and working in orbit. During his time on the ISS, Hague performed three spacewalks, also known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). His first spacewalk was with astronaut Anne McClain in March 2019. They spent over six hours outside the station, installing new parts and preparing for future arrivals. He completed his second spacewalk with Christina Koch later that month. In August 2019, Hague performed his third spacewalk with Andrew R. Morgan. They installed a new docking adapter on the station, which helps spacecraft connect to the ISS.
Commanding SpaceX Crew-9 and Expedition 72
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Nick Hague served as the commander of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission. This flight took the crew of Expedition 72 to the International Space Station. He was originally planned to be the pilot for Crew-9. However, due to technical issues with another spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner, the mission plans changed. Crew-9 was adjusted to bring two astronauts, Barry E. Wilmore and Sunita Williams, back to Earth. They had been part of the Boeing Crew Flight Test. Because of his experience, NASA appointed Hague as the commander of Crew-9. He worked with his crew to adapt to the new mission tasks. On January 16, 2025, Hague performed his fourth spacewalk with Expedition 72 commander Sunita Williams. They spent six hours outside the station, replacing equipment and performing maintenance. During this spacewalk, Hague proudly wore the Space Force Delta logo and its motto, "Semper Supra" (meaning "always above"), on his suit. The crew returned to Earth on March 18, 2025.
Awards and Recognition
During his time in the Air Force and Space Force, Nick Hague received several honors. These include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also earned the United States Astronaut Badge and the Space Operations Badge. For his bravery during the aborted Soyuz launch, he was awarded the Order of Courage from Russia.
Personal Life
Nick Hague met his wife, Catie Hague, at the United States Air Force Academy in 1996. They have two sons. Hague is also a fan of the TV show Doctor Who.
