NASA Conducts First-Ever Medical Evacuation, Brings Four Astronauts Back Early from ISS

San Diego, 15 January 2026: In a historic first, NASA has carried out a medical evacuation from space, bringing four astronauts back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of schedule. The decision marked a significant moment in NASA’s 65-year history of human spaceflight, as the mission was shortened by nearly a month due to medical reasons, even though the crew was originally expected to remain in orbit until mid-February 2026. The four astronauts — representing the United States, Russia and Japan — bid farewell to the ISS on Wednesday and began their return journey aboard a SpaceX capsule. The spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of San Diego early Thursday. NASA astronaut Jena Cardman described the experience as emotional, saying the return timeline changed suddenly, but the crew supported one another like a family throughout the mission. NASA has not disclosed the identity of the astronaut who required medical attention. Officials clarified that the individual’s condition is stable and not an emergency. However, they explained that delaying medical evaluation in space could pose risks, making it safer to return the crew to Earth for thorough examination and care. The agency stressed that the decision was taken purely as a precaution. The returning crew includes Jena Cardman (USA), on her first spaceflight; veteran astronaut Mike Fincke (USA); Kimiya Yui (Japan), on his second mission; and Oleg Platonov (Russia), also on his first spaceflight. Currently, one American and two Russian astronauts remain aboard the space station. NASA and SpaceX are now working on adjusting the launch schedule for the next crew from Florida to ensure continuity of operations on the ISS. The Crew-11 mission was launched in August 2025 and was planned to last around six months. During their stay, the astronauts conducted scientific experiments, technology demonstrations and routine maintenance, while also supporting preparations for future missions. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the decision reflects the agency’s core values, emphasizing that astronaut health and safety will always remain NASA’s top priority. NASA Makes History with First Medical Evacuation from Space, Crew Returns Early from ISS In a landmark decision, NASA has carried out its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS), bringing four astronauts back to Earth ahead of schedule. The mission, originally planned to continue until mid-February 2026, was shortened by nearly a month after one crew member required medical evaluation, marking a rare and sensitive moment in the agency’s human spaceflight history. The multinational crew, comprising astronauts from the United States, Japan and Russia, departed the ISS on Wednesday aboard a SpaceX capsule. They are set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California. NASA astronaut Jena Cardman called the return emotional, saying the sudden change in plans highlighted the strong bond among the crew, who supported each other like a family throughout the mission. NASA officials confirmed that the astronaut needing care is in stable condition and that the decision was not prompted by an emergency. However, they explained that providing advanced medical assessment on Earth was the safest option. The agency emphasized that the move was precautionary, underlining its commitment to prioritising astronaut health over mission timelines. The returning astronauts include Jena Cardman and veteran Mike Fincke from the US, Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonov of Russia. While one American and two Russian astronauts remain aboard the ISS, NASA and SpaceX are working to reschedule the next crew launch from Florida. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the early return reflects the agency’s guiding principle that the safety and well-being of astronauts always come first.