NASA is set to undock a SpaceX Dragon capsule from the International Space Station on Thursday morning, returning four astronauts early due to a medical situation.

This occurrence is significant as it represents the first medical evacuation from the station in its 25 years of ongoing operation, highlighting the constraints of medical care in space. The agency has not revealed which astronaut is ill, citing privacy concerns.

NASA intends for Crew-11 to depart the station at approximately 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 14, contingent on weather and recovery conditions. The capsule is projected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near California at around 12:40 a.m. PT / 3:40 a.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 15.

How to view Crew-11’s return

Live broadcasts are scheduled to begin at noon PT / 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday for the hatch closure and departure. NASA will resume coverage of the return at 11:15 p.m. PT on Wednesday / 2:15 a.m. ET on Thursday, with a news briefing to follow a few hours later.

NASA representatives indicated that one crew member faced a significant medical issue necessitating a complete diagnostic evaluation on land. The astronaut is stable, and NASA characterized the situation as a “controlled expedited return,” not an emergency deorbit, signifying that the crew will adhere to standard landing procedures and designated splashdown areas.

The Dragon spacecraft carrying Crew-11 is anticipated to leave the International Space Station on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

Crew-11 comprises commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke, Japan’s Kimya Yui, and Russia’s Oleg Platonov. NASA has not disclosed the identity of the unwell astronaut, citing medical confidentiality. Japan’s space agency verified that Yui is not the affected party, according to reports from Japanese media.

The agency announced the early return following the cancellation of a planned spacewalk last week. Fincke and Cardman were gearing up for a solar panel task when a medical concern emerged. Officials stated that the issue was not related to station operations, spacewalk preparations, or any work-related injury.

Once Dragon departs, American astronaut Chris Williams, who arrived on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November, will be the only U.S. crew member left on the station, supported by Russian colleagues until Crew-12 is launched, likely in mid-February.

NASA confirmed that the splashdown and recovery will proceed as planned, with flight surgeons onboard the recovery ship and hospitals ready to assist.