Astronauts Safely Splash Down After Space Station Medical Evacuation

The Crew 11 mission has concluded abruptly. Four astronauts, including Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, safely returned to Earth after a medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS). Their return, initially expected after a six-and-a-half-month stay, took place earlier than planned due to a medical incident.

Details of the Mission

The Crew 11 astronauts arrived at the ISS on August 1. Their original mission was slated for completion in mid-February. However, last week, an unscheduled event changed their plans abruptly.

Medical Situation and Response

• One crew member fell ill, prompting NASA to initiate a medical evacuation.
• Upcoming spacewalks were canceled, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation.
• NASA confirmed that all remaining crew members were “stable, safe, and well cared for.”

Transition of Control

On Monday, Mike Fincke symbolically handed over control of the ISS to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. Fincke described his departure as “bittersweet” but emphasized the well-being of his colleagues.

Key Crew Members

• Mike Fincke
• Zena Cardman
• Kimiya Yui (Japan)
• Oleg Platonov (Russia)

As the situation unfolds, the ISS will be under the supervision of Kud-Sverchkov and the remaining crew members. The safety and stability of all astronauts aboard remain a priority.