At a Glance
- SpaceX Crew-11 began emergency return from ISS after NASA cited an undisclosed medical concern with one astronaut
- The crew spent 165 days in orbit and will splash down off San Diego at 12:41 a.m. PST on Jan. 15
- This marks the first time an ISS mission has ever been cut short
- Why it matters: The unprecedented move underscores NASA’s zero-risk stance on astronaut health
NASA has ordered an early end to the SpaceX Crew-11 mission after flight surgeons flagged a medical issue with one of the four crew members aboard the International Space Station. The astronauts undocked on Jan. 14 and are set to land early Thursday, making history as the first ISS expedition ever shortened for health reasons.
The Call to Come Home
NASA announced the decision on Jan. 8, saying only that a “medical concern with a crew member” required bringing the team home sooner than the planned mid-February departure. Live NASA coverage showed the Crew-11 capsule separating from the station shortly after 5:20 p.m. EST on Wednesday, with splashdown targeted for 12:41 a.m. PST Thursday off the San Diego coast.
The agency has not identified which astronaut is affected or specified the nature of the ailment. During the live-stream, controllers said the crew member’s condition has remained stable and the capsule environment is safe for all aboard.
Record-Breaking Stay Cut Short
Crew-11 logged 165 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific research before the abrupt change in plans. Their total time in space will reach 167 days by touchdown.
The team includes:
- U.S. astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke
- JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui
- Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov
Why NASA Pulled the Plug
Dr. James Polk, NASA’s chief health and medical officer, told reporters on Jan. 8 that officials chose to “err on the side of caution for the crew member” and that the issue “was not an injury that occurred in the pursuit of operations.”
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman echoed the sentiment at the same briefing, saying astronaut health “is always and will be our highest priority.”
According to News Of Los Angeles‘s report, this is the first ISS mission ever shortened for medical reasons.
What Happens Next
Recovery teams are stationed off the California coast to hoist the capsule and crew from the Pacific. Once medical checks are complete, the astronauts will fly to Houston for debrief and any follow-up care.
NASA has not said whether the early return will alter future ISS crew rotations or upcoming SpaceX flight schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Crew-11’s early return is an ISS first, driven by an undisclosed astronaut health issue
- NASA stresses the decision is precautionary, not related to spacecraft or station operations
- Splashdown is set for 12:41 a.m. PST Thursday off San Diego
