NASA recently announced the postponement of a spacewalk planned for Thursday due to a “medical concern” involving one of its astronauts. The agency did not disclose specifics about the medical issue or identify the crew member, citing privacy reasons. They reassured the public that the situation is stable and promised to provide updates soon, including a new date for the spacewalk.
Astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were set to conduct the spacewalk aboard the International Space Station (ISS). It would have marked Cardman’s first spacewalk, a significant milestone for the 38-year-old geobiologist selected for the astronaut corps in 2017. Fincke, a veteran with nine previous spacewalks, was on track to become the sixth American to reach ten.
NASA tends to keep details about astronauts’ health issues private. However, the impact of space on human health has been a topic of ongoing research. For instance, “space adaptation syndrome,” which often causes nausea and dizziness in astronauts just arriving in microgravity, was identified only after years of study.
In the past, serious health issues have been documented. For example, a case of jugular venous thrombosis, a condition that can lead to blood clots, was published in an academic journal, yet the astronaut’s identity remained confidential. Recent data also highlights that medical incidents in space are not uncommon. Following SpaceX’s Crew-8 mission in October 2024, another astronaut faced a “medical issue” upon returning, further illustrating the risks astronauts face while on missions.
Interestingly, the awareness around these health concerns has increased—both among scientists and the public. Social media has buzzed with discussions about astronaut health, reflecting a growing interest in the physical challenges of living and working in space.
For more on NASA’s research into astronaut health, visit their official page here.
