NASA has announced plans for its first medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) following an astronaut’s serious but undisclosed medical issue. The evacuation is scheduled to begin no earlier than 17:00 EST on Wednesday, January 14, 2024, with the crew expected to land near California early the following morning, January 15, 2024, pending weather and recovery conditions.
At a briefing on January 11, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman explained the decision was made after consultations with Dr. James Polk, the chief health and medical officer, along with other agency leadership. “It’s in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of their planned departure,” Isaacman stated.
This medical evacuation marks a significant event in the ISS’s 25-year history, highlighting the agency’s commitment to astronaut safety. The specific details of the medical condition and the identity of the affected astronaut have not been disclosed due to privacy concerns.
Dr. Polk emphasized that while the situation is serious, the astronaut is stable. “This is not an emergent evacuation,” he clarified. “We’re not immediately disembarking and getting the astronaut down, but there is some lingering risk.” The decision to proceed with the evacuation is a precautionary measure to ensure the astronaut’s health.
Details of Crew-11 and Future Plans
Crew-11, which includes US commander Zena Cardman, arrived at the ISS aboard a SpaceX capsule in August 2023. The team also comprises NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. While Crew-11 prepares for evacuation, three other astronauts, US astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Mikayev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, will continue their missions onboard the station.
In connection with this medical situation, NASA has also canceled its first spacewalk of the year. The agency has acknowledged the challenges of operating the aging space station and plans to decommission it by late 2030 or early 2031.
As NASA navigates this medical evacuation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of its astronauts while maintaining the operational integrity of the ISS.
