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Space Mission Cut Short for Ailing Astronaut
15 Jan
Summary
- Astronaut evacuated from space station due to health issue.
- Mission ended over a month early for the first time.
- Fresh crew launch is targeted for mid-February.
An astronaut's undisclosed health problem has prompted NASA to conduct its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station. The mission of four astronauts, including NASA's Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov, concluded prematurely with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on January 15, 2026.
The early return, over a month ahead of schedule, occurred less than 11 hours after the crew departed the orbiting laboratory. NASA has emphasized that the situation was not an emergency, but the astronaut's condition necessitated a swift return to Earth for proper medical care and diagnostic testing. The space station is now left with only one American and two Russian astronauts.
A fresh crew of four astronauts is being prepared for launch, with liftoff currently targeted for mid-February. This mission adjustment means the space station will be unable to perform spacewalks until the new crew arrives. The specific health issue and the identity of the affected astronaut have not been disclosed due to medical privacy regulations.
