NASA Plans Early Return of Crew-11 Astronauts Due to Medical Issue
NASA is preparing to bring the Crew-11 astronauts back to Earth ahead of schedule following a medical concern with one crew member.
NASA has announced plans to return the four Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier than scheduled due to a medical issue affecting one of the crew members. The affected astronaut is reported to be in stable condition, though specific details have not been disclosed to maintain privacy.
The Crew-11 team, consisting of NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, arrived at the ISS in August 2025 for a six-month mission.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the decision to bring the crew home early is a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of all astronauts.
The early return is not expected to impact other NASA missions, including the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, which remains on schedule for early February.
This marks the first medical evacuation from the ISS in its 25-year history.