NASA Delays Spacewalk to Address Astronaut’s Medical Concern

NASA has announced the postponement of an upcoming spacewalk originally scheduled for Thursday due to a medical concern affecting a crew member. Although the agency did not disclose the astronaut’s identity, they confirmed that the individual is stable and that officials are assessing the next steps.

A NASA spokesperson emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority. We are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11’s mission.” An update is expected within the next 24 hours.

Spacewalk Details

The spacewalk involved astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, who were set to exit the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare a power channel for a new solar array installation. This event was particularly significant for Cardman, marking her first spacewalk. She has been part of the astronaut corps since 2017, while Fincke, a seasoned astronaut since 1996, has completed nine previous spacewalks. Completing this mission would make him the sixth American astronaut to reach ten spacewalks, as noted by Bill Spetch, NASA’s operations integration manager.

NASA’s Approach to Medical Concerns

NASA typically refrains from sharing detailed information regarding medical issues that astronauts encounter. Insights into the effects of space travel on human health tend to emerge through scientific research rather than specific case reports on astronauts. Medical conditions such as space adaptation syndrome, characterized by symptoms like vomiting and vertigo, have gained attention after extensive studies highlighted their prevalence among astronauts.

• Space adaptation syndrome: Commonly experienced by new astronauts.
• Jugular venous thrombosis: A serious condition involving blood clots, previously documented in research.
• Recent incidents: Following SpaceX’s Crew-8 mission in October 2024, a crew member was hospitalized for a medical issue but was reported as stable.

While NASA remains dedicated to safety and transparency, specifics about astronauts’ medical situations are often closely guarded. The organization continues to prepare rigorously for unforeseen events as part of its ongoing mission objectives.