NASA Makes Historic Move: Astronaut Evacuated Mid-Mission from ISS

Washington: In an unprecedented decision, NASA has cut short its Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) due to a medical emergency involving one of the astronauts. This marks the first time in NASA’s 25-year history of ISS missions that a crew member has been evacuated mid-mission.

Medical Emergency Prompts Early Return

The Crew-11 mission includes astronauts from the U.S., Japan, and Russia, all engaged in critical scientific experiments aboard the ISS. NASA confirmed that one crew member developed a medical issue that could not be adequately treated on the station. As a result, the decision was made to bring the entire crew back to Earth earlier than scheduled.

NASA has not disclosed the identity of the astronaut or the nature of the illness. Earlier, the agency had also canceled the first spacewalk of the new year due to the same medical concern.

NASA Officials Speak

Jared Izacman, NASA Administrator, said, “After the medical situation arose, our medical team determined that the astronaut required evaluation and treatment that cannot be provided on the ISS. The safety of our crew is always our top priority.”

James Polk, Chief Health and Medical Officer at NASA, added, “While the ISS is equipped with medical hardware, it does not allow for a full medical examination. This decision was made to ensure the astronaut receives proper care on Earth.”

Amit, NASA’s Associate Administrator, stated, “This is the first time we have conducted a controlled medical evacuation from a space vehicle, making this situation unprecedented. The crew utilized their onboard training to manage the unexpected medical condition until safe return.”

Crew Composition and Return

Crew-11 comprises Americans Mike Finke and Jenna Cardman, Japan’s Kimia Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov. Following careful deliberation, NASA safely initiated the early return process, marking a historic moment in human spaceflight.