NASA Orders Early Return of Crew-11 Astronauts from ISS
Sydney, 11 January 2026 – NASA has decided to bring four astronauts from the SpaceX Crew-11 mission home early from the International Space Station due to a medical issue with one crew member, marking the first medical evacuation in the orbiting lab’s 25-year history.
Background on the Incident
On 8 January 2026, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that a single crew member experienced a medical situation on 7 January, prompting the agency to prioritise astronaut health. The affected astronaut is stable, and the issue is not an injury related to operations. Due to privacy concerns, NASA has not disclosed the astronaut’s identity or the specific nature of the medical problem.
The Crew-11 team, consisting of NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov, launched aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour on 1 August 2025. They were nearing the end of their planned six-month mission, originally scheduled to conclude in February 2026.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Issue | Stable condition; not an emergency; requires better diagnostic capabilities on Earth. |
| Spacewalk Cancellation | Planned 8 January spacewalk by Fincke and Cardman was postponed due to the medical concern. |
| Return Timeline | Undocking targeted for no earlier than 5 pm EST on 14 January 2026; splashdown off California coast around 3:40 am EST on 15 January. |
| Impact on ISS | Leaves skeleton crew of three: NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev; Crew-12 launch may accelerate. |
| Artemis 2 Mission | Unaffected; scheduled for February 2026. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is NASA bringing the crew back early?
NASA’s Chief Health and Medical Officer, Dr James Polk, explained that while the ISS has robust medical equipment, it lacks the full diagnostic tools available on Earth for a comprehensive workup. The decision errs on the side of caution to ensure the astronaut’s health.
Is this the first time a crew has been evacuated from the ISS?
Yes, this is the first medical evacuation in the International Space Station’s history. Previous medical issues have been managed on orbit, but this case warranted an early return.
What happens to the ISS operations now?
The station will continue with a reduced crew until Crew-12 arrives, potentially earlier than the mid-February schedule. NASA has experience operating with fewer astronauts and will maintain essential functions.