The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced it will end the mission of the four-person crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) about one month early after one astronaut experienced a "serious" medical condition. Although NASA did not disclose the astronaut’s name or medical details citing privacy, it confirmed the patient’s condition is stable and that this is not an emergency evacuation.
NASA announced on Thursday, 8 Jan 2024 GMT+7, that it must return the four-member Crew-11 astronaut team from the ISS to Earth earlier than planned due to a health issue affecting one astronaut.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman and other officials stated the astronaut has a "serious illness," but confirmed it is not a work-related injury or an emergency evacuation. The patient’s condition remains stable. NASA declined to reveal the astronaut’s name or specific diagnosis, citing patient privacy.
This situation follows NASA’s sudden cancellation of a scheduled spacewalk on Wednesday, citing only a "medical concern" before ultimately announcing the mission’s early termination.
Dr. James Polk, NASA’s chief medical officer, said this marks the first time in the agency’s 65-year history and since humans have been stationed on the ISS since 2000, that a crew member must return early due to medical reasons.
The Crew-11 roster includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
The Crew-11 team began their mission in August last year, traveling aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, with an original return planned for next month. After this early return, one American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts will remain on the ISS.
Dr. Simeon Barber, a space scientist, commented that the reduced crew may delay some experiments and maintenance activities, as the remaining astronauts will need to focus on "housekeeping" to keep the space station in optimal condition while awaiting reinforcements.
NASA expects to provide a clearer update on the revised return schedule within the next 48 hours.
: SourceBBC