NASA has confirmed that astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a medical issue during the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that necessitated an early return to Earth. This marks the first time an astronaut has been medically evacuated from the ISS during an active mission, highlighting the inherent risks of long-duration spaceflight.
The Incident & Early Return
The medical concern surfaced on January 7th while Fincke and crewmate Zena Cardman were preparing for a spacewalk. NASA initially acknowledged an undisclosed medical issue, but did not provide details at the time. The situation escalated quickly, leading to a decision to cut the Crew-11 mission short by roughly a month. Fincke’s statement, released February 25th, clarified that the ailment required medical imaging unavailable on the ISS.
The Crew & Recovery
Fincke, alongside Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, returned to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon “Endeavour” on January 15th. Upon splashdown near San Diego, all four astronauts were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla for evaluation and treatment. Fincke expressed gratitude for the medical team’s professionalism, ensuring a positive outcome.
Expedited Crew Rotation
The early return of Crew-11 left a minimal crew of three aboard the ISS: Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts. NASA accelerated the launch of Crew-12 to restore the station to its standard seven-person capacity. SpaceX successfully launched Crew-12 aboard “Freedom” on February 13th, ensuring continuity of research operations.
“I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates,” — Mike Fincke
This incident underscores the importance of robust medical protocols and rapid response capabilities for space missions. The lack of advanced medical facilities on the ISS highlights the need for contingency plans, particularly as space travel becomes more frequent. The event raises questions about the long-term health effects of spaceflight and the challenges of providing adequate care for astronauts in isolated environments.
