The upcoming SpaceX Crew-9 mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than September 24, 2024, represents a significant milestone for the U.S. Space Force.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague will make history as the first active U.S. Space Force Guardian to launch into space during this mission.

Hague has received full support from Space Force leadership for his role in the Crew-9 mission, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to human spaceflight.

The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a shift from the traditional NASA-run Kennedy Space Center.

This mission will be the first crewed launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station since 1968, underscoring its historical significance.

Crew-9 will also be notable as the first-ever crewed launch from SLC 40 and the first SpaceX mission to splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

After launch, the Crew-9 astronauts will spend approximately six months aboard the ISS, focusing on scientific research.

The mission's launch date was pushed back from its original schedule due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Prior astronaut launches from Cape Canaveral include notable missions such as Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 and John Glenn's Mercury-Atlas 6.

Hague previously launched to the ISS in 2019 after a failed launch attempt in 2018 due to a rocket malfunction.

Hague has expressed the honor of representing the Guardians and the significance of their role in advancing human spaceflight.