NASA Postpones Spacewalk Due to Astronaut's Medical Concern
NASA has delayed a scheduled spacewalk aboard the International Space Station after a crew member experienced a medical issue.
NASA has postponed the spacewalk originally scheduled for Thursday, January 8, aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to a medical concern involving one of the crew members. The agency stated that the situation is stable but, citing medical privacy, did not disclose further details about the astronaut's condition.
The affected spacewalk was intended for NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman to continue preparations for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays, aimed at enhancing the station's power capabilities. This mission would have marked Cardman's first spacewalk and Fincke's tenth, potentially making him the sixth American astronaut to achieve this milestone.
NASA has a history of postponing spacewalks due to medical issues. For instance, in August 2021, a spacewalk was delayed because of a minor medical issue with astronaut Mark Vande Hei. Additionally, during the STS-122 mission in 2008, a spacewalk was postponed due to a medical concern with astronaut Hans Schlegel.
The agency emphasized that the current situation is stable and that a new date for the spacewalk will be announced once it is determined.