Astronauts Head Home Early: A Look at the ISS Medical Evacuation
In space, things don't always go as planned. Right now, four astronauts are getting ready to come back to Earth sooner than expected. This is because one of them needs medical help that can't be given properly in space.
The astronauts are part of the Crew-11 mission, which includes:
- Mike Fincke (NASA)
- Zena Cardman (NASA)
- Kimiya Yui (Japan)
- Oleg Platanov (Russia)
The Plan
The crew is scheduled to leave the International Space Station (ISS) on January 14 and splash down in the Pacific Ocean near California early on January 15. This is the first time a whole crew has had to return early due to a medical issue.
The astronaut in need is stable, but NASA wants to get them back to Earth for better care.
Command Change
Before departure, there will be a special ceremony on January 12, where Mike Fincke, the current ISS commander, will hand over control to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. This change is happening earlier than planned due to the medical evacuation.
Life on the ISS Without Crew-11
When Crew-11 leaves, three crewmates will remain to maintain the ISS until the next crew, Crew-12, arrives. This could take a month or more.
The ISS is designed to function with a smaller crew, but operations will be more challenging with fewer members.
Preparing for Departure
The astronauts are busy preparing for their return:
- Checking their spacesuits
- Packing their belongings
- Conducting final science experiments
Kimiya Yui, on his second trip to the ISS, has been capturing stunning photos and videos of Earth and space. He shared a farewell photo of the Japanese module, Kibo, saying goodbye to the view he has grown to love.
A Lesson in Space Safety
This situation highlights that health comes first, even in space. It serves as a reminder that astronauts face unique challenges, and NASA is always ready to adapt to ensure their safety.
The crew's early return demonstrates the careful planning and quick decision-making that goes into every mission.
