NASA astronauts carried out the first-ever medical evacuation from the space station.
An unprecedented action is being taken by four astronauts on the International Space Station. Due to a crew member's medical condition, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and NASA's Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman are returning to Earth approximately one month ahead of schedule.
In the ISS's 25-year history, this will be the first medical evacuation.
"Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member," in a news release dated January 13, the agency stated that the astronaut's health is "stable."
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The four-person crew, which was first launched into space in August as NASA's SpaceX Crew-11, is expected to land early on January 15 off the coast of California.
"This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists," Fincke posted on the internet January 11. "It’s the right call, even if it’s a bit bittersweet."
He added, "It has been a privilege to serve aboard the International Space Station—an extraordinary orbiting laboratory and a symbol of what nations can achieve together. Living and working here with our international partners has been both humbling and deeply rewarding."
During the medical evacuation, Russian Sergey Mikaev and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov will stay on the International Space Station alongside NASA astronaut Christopher Williams.
"We’re leaving the ISS in great hands," Fincke observed. "The three crewmates who arrived in November will continue the mission, and they’ll be joined by Crew-12 in just a few weeks."
He continued, "We're grateful for the teamwork, proud of the mission, and looking forward to coming home soon—back to our loved ones and to resolving any medical questions with the best care available."
