NASA Evaluates Returning Ill Crew Member to Earth
NASA has taken decisive action regarding the health of a crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A spacewalk that was scheduled for Thursday has been canceled due to concern for the well-being of one astronaut.
Medical Concern Aboard the ISS
The agency announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that it is monitoring a medical issue that emerged in the afternoon. In a statement, NASA emphasized the need to respect medical privacy and thus refrained from providing further details.
Safety Measures and Potential Return
NASA is assessing whether the affected astronaut can continue their mission in orbit or if a return to Earth is necessary. A spokesperson reiterated that the safety of the crew is the agency’s top priority.
Impacts on Crew 11’s Mission
Currently, Crew 11 comprises four members:
- Zena Cardman (NASA)
- Mike Fincke (NASA)
- Kimiya Yui (JAXA)
- Oleg Platonov (Russian Space Agency)
This team launched to the ISS in August 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon. They were anticipated to remain in orbit for approximately six months, with a planned return in late February 2026.
Future Developments
If a decision is made for Crew 11 to return prematurely, other crew members aboard the ISS will remain. This includes:
- Chris Williams (NASA)
- Sergey Kud Sverchkov (Russian Cosmonaut)
- Sergei Mikayev (Russian Cosmonaut)
NASA will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its crew members while navigating these developments. More information will be released as the situation evolves.
