Why is an astronaut being medically evacuated from the International Space Station?

An astronaut is being medically evacuated because they experienced a serious medical issue requiring ground-based diagnostics, marking the first such event in the station's history.

When will Crew-11 depart the space station?

Crew-11 is scheduled to depart the space station on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, for an early return.

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First Space Station Medical Evacuation in 25 Years

Q: Who is on the Crew-11 mission returning from the ISS?

Crew-11 includes Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov. NASA has not identified the ill astronaut.

12 Jan

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Summary

A crew member is medically evacuated from the space station.
This is the first medical evacuation in the station's history.
The astronaut is stable but requires ground-based diagnostics.

First Space Station Medical Evacuation in 25 Years

A significant medical event has occurred aboard the International Space Station, necessitating the first-ever medical evacuation in its 25-year operational history. One crew member is experiencing a serious medical issue, though officials confirm the astronaut is stable and the situation is not an emergency deorbit. This "controlled expedited return" requires the crew member to undergo a full diagnostic workup on the ground.

The Crew-11 mission, which includes Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov, is scheduled to depart the station on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Pending weather and recovery conditions, the spacecraft is targeted for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off California early on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

NASA stated the medical concern is unrelated to station operations or spacewalk preparations. Following the departure of Crew-11, American astronaut Chris Williams will remain aboard the station with Russian colleagues until the next crew launches in mid-February. Splashdown and recovery operations will proceed normally.