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NASA has initiated the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS), ordering the early return of its Crew-11 astronauts due to an undisclosed medical issue with one crew member. The affected astronaut remains in stable condition, and officials emphasize that the decision prioritizes ground-based treatment over the limited medical capabilities in orbit. This unprecedented move cuts short a mission that began in August 2025, originally slated to continue until around May 2026.
Crew-11 comprises NASA astronauts Zena Cardman (commander) and Mike Fincke (pilot), Japan’s JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. The crew docked at the ISS aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour and has been part of Expedition 74 operations. A planned spacewalk was canceled following the medical concern that arose on January 7, 2026, prompting NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to announce the precautionary return.
In a recent Fox News interview, retired NASA astronaut José Hernández addressed concerns about the evacuation, describing it as a “precautionary decision, not a panic-driven decision.” He noted the Dragon capsule’s scheduled undocking on January 14 indicates the situation is under control, unlike urgent scenarios such as cabin decompression. Hernández highlighted the rarity of such events over the ISS’s 25-year history, crediting NASA’s rigorous astronaut selection and training processes.
NASA and SpaceX have set a precise timeline for the return: hatch closure on January 14 at 3:30 p.m. EST, undocking no earlier than 5 p.m. EST, deorbit burn around 2:50 a.m. EST on January 15, and splashdown off California’s coast at approximately 3:40 a.m. EST. Weather in the Pacific recovery zones currently appears favorable, though final decisions depend on sea conditions and spacecraft readiness. NASA Chief Medical Officer Dr. James Polk confirmed robust preparations, including flight surgeons and contingency hospitals.
The departure will leave a skeleton crew of three—NASA’s Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev—aboard the ISS until Crew-12 arrives, potentially accelerating its February launch. A change-of-command ceremony from Fincke to Kud-Sverchkov is set for January 12. Despite the “bittersweet” early end, Fincke affirmed the crew is “stable, safe, and well cared for,” underscoring NASA’s commitment to astronaut health.
