Why was an astronaut medically evacuated from the International Space Station?

An astronaut required medical care that could only be adequately provided on Earth, necessitating an early return.

What is the significance of this medical evacuation for NASA?

This is the first time NASA has conducted a medical evacuation of an astronaut from the International Space Station.

When did the crew return to Earth after the medical evacuation?

The crew returned to Earth on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, with splashdown planned for early Thursday, January 16, 2026.

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Astronaut Medevac: First Ever From Space Station

15 Jan

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Summary

First-ever astronaut medical evacuation from the International Space Station occurred.
Four crew members returned early, cutting their mission short by over a month.
The health issue prompted the decision, but details remain private.

Astronaut Medevac: First Ever From Space Station

An astronaut needing medical attention has departed the International Space Station with three crewmates, marking NASA's first-ever medical evacuation from orbit. The four returning astronauts, from the U.S., Russia, and Japan, are scheduled for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, January 16, 2026, with SpaceX. This early return by over a month was deemed necessary to allow for comprehensive medical evaluations on Earth.

Officials have withheld the identity and specific health concerns of the astronaut requiring care, stating only that the individual is stable and receiving excellent attention. The mission, which began in August 2025, was originally slated to conclude in late February 2026. The decision to return early also necessitates a temporary halt to spacewalks, as only one U.S. and two Russian astronauts remain aboard the station.