Astronaut Mike Fincke, who leads the International Space Station crew, shared an update about their early return to Earth. He said he and his teammates—Crew 11 commander Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov—are “stable, safe, and well cared for.” The crew’s return was prompted by a medical issue involving one of the members, which NASA managed carefully.
In a post on LinkedIn, Fincke noted that though the decision to cut their mission short feels bittersweet, it was the right choice. He expressed excitement about reuniting with loved ones and getting the best medical care once they land.
They are expected to leave the station on Wednesday evening, undocking around 5 p.m. EST. The Crew Dragon will then re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around 3:40 a.m. Thursday, landing in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California. After medical checks, they will be flown to shore and then to Houston for further evaluation.
This situation marks a significant moment in NASA history as it’s the first time a crew has been sent home early for medical reasons. James Polk, NASA’s chief medical officer, highlighted the importance of caution in such situations. He mentioned that statistically, a medical evacuation should happen every three years, which has not occurred until now.
The astronaut who experienced the medical issue has not been named, and the specifics remain private. However, Fincke reassured everyone through a photo of the crew preparing their suits that the problem is not serious. He emphasized that NASA’s response was thoughtful and rapidly coordinated, showcasing their commitment to crew safety.
Fincke will hand over command to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov before departing. “NASA truly cares about its people,” he remarked, acknowledging the teamwork that made their safe return possible.
Looking ahead, the ISS will be managed by Kud-Sverchkov and his Soyuz MS-28 teammates until a new crew arrives. Crew 12, featuring astronauts Jessica Meir and others, is set to launch on February 15, with possible adjustments to the schedule.
This situation reminds us of the ever-present risks in space travel and the lengths to which agencies like NASA go to safeguard their teams. Fincke’s reflections on teamwork and camaraderie highlight the human side of these high-stakes missions.
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Spacewalk, International Space Station, Space, NASA
