NASA is actively considering bringing a team of astronauts home from the International Space Station ahead of schedule following a medical incident involving a crew member.
Spacewalk Cancelled Amid Medical Evaluation
The situation unfolded on Thursday, 8 January 2026, when the US space agency abruptly cancelled a planned 6.5-hour spacewalk. The extravehicular activity was to be conducted by NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, who intended to install hardware on the station's exterior.
A NASA spokeswoman confirmed the cancellation was related to a medical issue affecting one astronaut, whose identity was withheld for privacy reasons. The individual is reported to be in a stable condition aboard the orbital laboratory.
"Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11's mission," the spokeswoman stated in an official communication.
Crew-11's Extended Mission in Jeopardy
The four-person Crew-11 team, which arrived at the ISS in August 2025, includes NASA's Fincke and Cardman, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Their mission was originally scheduled to conclude around May 2026, following a stay of roughly nine months.
The crew has been engaged in a busy schedule of scientific work, including simulated moon landing exercises and a series of medical tests such as MRI scans and eye and brain examinations. Some of these experiments are designed to address health challenges on future deep-space missions, though NASA has indicated this research is not linked to the current medical situation.
Logistical Challenges and Historical Precedents
Organising an early departure from the ISS is a complex logistical undertaking. NASA would need to coordinate the timing with a replacement crew and spacecraft. The agency has promised to provide further updates within the next 24 hours.
While uncommon, last-minute spacewalk cancellations are not unprecedented. NASA has a strict safety protocol and will call off such activities if any concerns arise.
- In 2024, a spacewalk was scrapped due to an astronaut experiencing "spacesuit discomfort".
- In 2021, astronaut Mark Vande Hei cancelled his spacewalk because of a pinched nerve.
The International Space Station has maintained a continuous human presence for over 25 years, with crew rotations typically lasting between six and eight months. The potential early return of Crew-11 underscores the inherent risks and rigorous safety measures governing life in orbit.
