NASA plans to bring back four astronauts from the International Space Station sooner than originally scheduled due to a medical concern requiring additional testing. The astronaut in question is stable but needs a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that cannot be conducted in space. This represents the first deliberate medical evacuation from the station in its 25-year existence. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conveyed that concluding the mission early is the best course of action for Crew-11, which includes Commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov, who will return aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Endeavour capsule. American astronaut Chris Williams will stay on the station with Russian counterparts until Crew-12 arrives, which is expected around mid-February.

NASA is keeping the identity of the affected astronaut private. The medical situation resulted in the cancellation of a planned spacewalk. JAXA has confirmed that Yui is not the astronaut facing the health concern. NASA’s chief health officer, J.D. Polk, characterized the situation as serious but not related to spacewalk preparations or operational tasks. The issue is not an occupational injury but rather a medical condition in a microgravity environment.

The station has dealt with various medical situations throughout the years, primarily urgent-care matters. This scenario is not an emergency, but rather a “controlled expedited return,” suggesting there is no immediate threat to the astronaut’s life. NASA seeks to bring the astronaut back due to the absence of complete diagnostic facilities on the station.

The precise landing date for the SpaceX Dragon has yet to be disclosed, but it will undock in the upcoming days. NASA will share updates on the departure schedule, taking into account spacecraft readiness and weather factors. The splashdown is anticipated to follow standard procedures, with normal recovery operations in place.