On Wednesday, NASA announced that the U.S. Space Force is gearing up to launch its inaugural Guardian into space during the upcoming summer mission.

Space Force Col. Tyler “Nick” Hague will be part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, scheduled for no earlier than August, with a destination set for the International Space Station (ISS).

This mission aims to replace the current Crew-8 currently stationed at the ISS.

Colonel Hague will make history as the first Guardian launched into space.

It’s worth noting that the honor of being the first Guardian in space was initially bestowed upon now-retired U.S. Space Force Col. Mike Hopkins in 2020, following his transition from the Air Force to the Space Force.

The news of Hague’s upcoming flight was initially reported by Defense One. Jerry Porter, chief of public affairs at Space Launch Delta 45, disclosed this milestone at a conference event on Tuesday.

Colonel Hague, who became an astronaut in 2013, embarked on his maiden voyage to the ISS in 2018. From 2020 to 2022, he served in the Space Force as the director of testing and evaluations before returning to NASA, The Hill reported.

The Space Force, created by former President Trump in 2019, is on the brink of deploying its personnel into space, marking a significant step for the newest military branch.

Although Space Force officials acknowledge that the day when Guardians actively operate in space may be some time away, this mission represents a notable advancement.

Joining Hague on this summer flight are astronauts Zena Cardman and mission specialist Stephanie Wilson, along with Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut mission specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Written by B.C. Begley