NASA Cancels Spacewalk Over Health Concern, Considers Early Crew Return
NASA has announced the cancellation of a previously scheduled spacewalk due to health concerns regarding one of its astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The agency is now considering an early return for the crew as a precautionary measure. This decision highlights NASA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its crew members.
Medical Concern on ISS
A NASA spokesperson confirmed that the astronaut experiencing the medical issue remains in stable condition. However, details regarding the nature of the concern and the identity of the astronaut have not been disclosed. “Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority,” the spokesperson stated. “We are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11’s mission.”
About Crew-11
The current Crew-11 team consists of four astronauts:
- Zena Cardman (U.S.)
- Mike Fincke (U.S.) – Commander
- Kimiya Yui (Japan)
- Oleg Platonov (Russia)
They launched from Florida in August and were initially set to return in May 2024. Fincke and Cardman were preparing for a 6½-hour spacewalk to install hardware on the ISS when the medical issue arose.
Impact of Spacewalk Cancellation
The cancellation of the spacewalk underscores the rigorous demands of space missions. These operations require extensive training and careful coordination. Spacesuits can make movement difficult and come with their own set of risks.
In recent years, NASA has faced similar situations. In 2024, a planned spacewalk was also called off because an astronaut experienced discomfort. In 2021, astronaut Mark Vande Hei canceled a spacewalk due to a pinched nerve.
Monitoring Health in Space
Astronauts on the ISS typically live in six-to-eight-month rotations and have access to basic medical equipment. NASA treats medical information about crew members as confidential, making public disclosures rare.
The agency is dedicated to closely monitoring the health of its astronauts, especially in cases that require urgent attention. As the situation develops, further updates from NASA are expected.
