Four astronauts are being evacuated from the International Space Station due to a crew member experiencing a severe medical condition. Video footage captured the four members of Crew-11 boarding the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft before the station hatch was sealed. NASA has made the rare decision to shorten the mission on the International Space Station following the medical emergency. Consequently, the US-Japanese-Russian crew members of Crew-11 will return to Earth earlier than scheduled.
The specific astronaut affected and the nature of the medical issue have not been disclosed by NASA to respect the individual’s privacy, although it has been confirmed that the crew member is in stable condition. The returning crew, consisting of NASA’s Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov, arrived at the space station in August for a planned six-month stay. They are expected to splashdown on Earth at 8:41 am UK time.
With around 200 medications and various medical equipment onboard, such as an ultrasound machine, defibrillator, and intravenous therapy kit, the ISS has limited medical resources available for astronauts. This evacuation marks the first instance of such action in 25 years due to a health issue, despite astronauts undergoing thorough medical checks before space missions. Since the space station’s inception in 2000, over 280 astronauts have lived on board.
The planned spacewalk by Fincke and Cardman to prepare for installing new solar panels for increased power supply to the station has been canceled. This mission was significant for Fincke, who has visited the station four times, and Yui, who was on his second visit. For Cardman and Platonov, this was their debut spaceflight.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman commended the agency’s prompt actions to ensure astronaut safety in light of the recent events. Meanwhile, three astronauts, including NASA’s Chris Williams and Russia’s Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, continue their mission on the space station after launching in November. They are scheduled to return to Earth during the summer months.