URGENT UPDATE: A crew of four astronauts has returned to Earth one month ahead of schedule due to a medical emergency aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The team, which included astronauts from NASA and Russia’s Roscosmos, touched down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at 3:41 AM ET today, marking a historic early evacuation for the ISS.
The astronauts, who had been conducting critical research since August, were originally set to remain aboard the ISS until next month. This unprecedented early return is the first of its kind in the station’s 25-year history. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which they used for their journey, took nearly 11 hours to reach Earth after departing the ISS.
Details surrounding the medical issue remain unclear, but NASA confirmed that the affected astronaut is in stable condition and is expected to receive medical attention upon arrival on land. The identity of the crew member and the nature of their medical condition have not been disclosed. However, NASA officials have emphasized that the situation did not result from any operations-related injury.
In a statement, Dr. James Polk, NASA’s chief health and medical officer, indicated that the issue was linked to the difficult areas of microgravity. He noted it was essential to bring the astronaut back to Earth to utilize available diagnostic tools. “This is not an injury that occurred during operations,” he stated.
The early evacuation prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk on January 8, which was intended for astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman to install solar panels. Meanwhile, Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev, along with NASA astronaut Chris Williams, will continue to operate the ISS until the arrival of the next mission.
As the capsule was lifted from the ocean, all four crew members were spotted smiling and waving, indicating their relief and safety following the unexpected situation. NASA is set to conduct routine medical checks for all returning astronauts, a standard procedure to ensure their well-being.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds and more information about the medical situation is released. The implications of this incident could have far-reaching effects on future missions and the health protocols in place for astronauts aboard the ISS.
