UPDATE: NASA has confirmed an urgent early return for the Crew 11 astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to a medical issue affecting one crew member. Astronaut Mike Fincke, the current commander, stated that he and his crewmates are “stable, safe and well cared for” following this critical decision.
In a LinkedIn post earlier today, Fincke, 58, expressed gratitude to NASA for prioritizing crew health. He described the upcoming return as “bittersweet,” emphasizing that it was the right call for safety. He reassured the public that he, along with Crew 11 commander Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, are all in good condition.
Crew 11 is scheduled to undock from the ISS at approximately 5 p.m. EST on February 15, 2025. The Crew Dragon spacecraft will initiate its descent with braking rockets firing at 2:50 a.m. on February 16, leading to a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California at 3:40 a.m.. Following medical checks aboard a SpaceX recovery ship, the crew will be flown by helicopter to shore where a NASA plane will await to transport them back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA announced the mission cut short after a crew member reported a medical issue on February 14. The specific details of the medical concern remain undisclosed due to privacy protocols, but Fincke’s post hinted that the situation was not debilitating. He highlighted that the decision was made with careful consideration, ensuring the best medical evaluations could be conducted on Earth.
This early return marks a historic moment as it is the first time NASA has shortened an ISS mission due to medical concerns. James Polk, NASA’s chief medical officer, stated that this precautionary measure reflects the agency’s commitment to crew safety. “Even in this case, we’re erring on the side of caution,” Polk remarked, underscoring the importance of the decision.
As Fincke prepares to hand over command to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov during a ceremony on February 15, he reassured that the ISS will remain in capable hands. The current crew will continue operations until the arrival of Crew 12, which is still scheduled for launch on February 15, although NASA is exploring options to expedite their departure.
Fincke concluded his message by praising the teamwork and camaraderie that characterized their mission. “What stands out most to me is how clearly NASA cares about its people. Flight surgeons, engineers, and support teams came together quickly and professionally,” he wrote.
As the world watches this unprecedented situation unfold, the focus remains on the health of the astronauts and the implications for future space missions. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
