NASA has decided to return four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) in the next few days after a medical issue involving the Crew-11 member and the postponement of the spacewalk which set for January 8, 2026.
As per NASA authorities, the problem was noticed on Thursday afternoon, leading the space agency to give priority to the health of the astronaut over the mission goal. Though the condition is currently stable and does not pose an immediate threat to life, they believe an earlier return to earth would help them get proper treatment.
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The cancellation led to the cancellation of the U.S. EVA-94 spacewalk that was scheduled to take place Thursday morning.
Spacewalk halted, return preparations underway
The postponed spacewalk was to be carried out by astronauts named Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman. The mission involved upgrading solar arrays and power systems essential to ISS operations. Fincke is a veteran spacewalker, while Cardman was preparing for her first extravehicular activity.
NASA confirmed late Wednesday that the preparations for the spacewalk had been stopped and that attention had shifted to monitoring the crew member’s condition and planning a proper logistics for an early return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The agency has not yet disclosed the identity of the affected astronaut, citing standard medical privacy protocols followed during space missions.
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Crew-11 mission background
Crew-11 includes astronauts from different parts of the world including United States, Japan, and Russia, who have been conducting experiments related to microgravity, human biology and advanced technology aboard the ISS.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the decision shows the agency’s long-standing safety standards and could result in the mission ending earlier than it was originally planned. A follow-up spacewalk which is scheduled for January 15 is now under review.
Health risks in space
Long-term exposure to microgravity can lead to physiological changes, such as fluid shifts, loss of bone density, and vascular problems, according to medical professionals. Although astronauts are prepared to handle medical emergencies with onboard tools and assistance from teams on Earth, certain conditions may call for advanced diagnostics that are only possible after landing.
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NASA officials pointed to earlier missions where similar precautions were taken. In 2024, a Crew-8 astronaut required post-landing medical care following undisclosed health concerns, without major disruption to ISS operations.
NASA said it will provide further updates within 24 hours about the return timelines and any adjustments for the upcoming mission schedules. The agency stressed that ISS research and operations will continue uninterrupted while preparations are made for the crew’s safe return.
