NASA is evaluating the possibility of bringing the four astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) home earlier than scheduled after one crew member experienced a medical issue on Wednesday. The agency confirmed the situation but has not released details, citing medical privacy. This development has already led to the postponement of a planned spacewalk.
Crew Status and Mission Timeline
The Crew-11 mission includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui. The team launched on August 1, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule with an expected stay of at least six and a half months. Their original return date was set for mid-February 2026, contingent upon the arrival of the Crew-12 mission.
The ISS currently hosts a total of seven astronauts, including the Crew-11 team alongside NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, who arrived in November 2025.
Spacewalk Postponement and Safety First
Just hours before a scheduled spacewalk on January 8, NASA delayed the operation due to the medical concern. Astronauts Fincke and Cardman had completed preparations for a six-and-a-half-hour project focused on installing hardware for future solar array deployment, as well as collecting exterior samples.
NASA stated, “Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11’s mission.” Further updates are expected within the next 24 hours.
Context and Implications
Medical emergencies in space present unique challenges. Evacuating an astronaut requires careful coordination, as the process involves preparing the affected crew member for transport, securing a suitable return vehicle, and ensuring life support systems are fully operational.
The ISS operates under strict safety protocols, but even minor health issues can quickly escalate in microgravity. This incident highlights the risks inherent in long-duration spaceflight and underscores the need for robust medical capabilities on the station.
NASA has not specified the nature of the medical problem, but the agency’s swift response suggests a serious concern. An early return would disrupt the ISS schedule and potentially delay upcoming research projects, but astronaut safety remains the paramount consideration.
The agency is expected to provide more information in the coming days. For now, the focus is on stabilizing the situation and determining the best course of action for the affected crew member and the entire ISS team.
