An ailing astronaut returned to Earth early Thursday along with three crewmates, marking NASA’s first medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS).
The SpaceX capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego less than 11 hours after departing the ISS, according to NASA. The crew had launched in August and was scheduled to remain aboard the station until spring.
“It’s so good to be home,” said NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, who commanded the capsule.
Joining Cardman on the return were NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov. NASA did not identify the astronaut with the health issue or disclose what occurred, citing medical privacy. Officials said the condition developed on Jan. 7 and was not an emergency.
NASA canceled a planned spacewalk the following day and later decided to end the mission early to provide better diagnostic capabilities and medical care on Earth. Officials said no changes were required for reentry, and the recovery vessel had its standard team of medical personnel on board.
After landing, the astronauts exited the capsule one at a time, were assisted onto reclining cots, and waved to cameras. They will undergo medical evaluations at a local hospital before flying to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Platonov’s return timeline to Russia was not disclosed.
The ISS remains staffed with one American and two Russian astronauts. NASA stated that no further spacewalks can be conducted—emergency or otherwise—until the next crew of four arrives, which includes two Americans, one French, and one Russian astronaut. Launch is tentatively scheduled for mid-February.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman observed the return from the agency’s Mission Control in Houston.
This event marks the first time NASA has shortened a space mission for medical reasons. The Russian space program had performed similar measures decades ago.
