UPDATE: NASA’s Crew 11, including Commander Mike Fincke, is set to return to Earth on February 14, 2024, following a medical issue affecting a crew member. Fincke confirmed via a LinkedIn post that he and his crewmates are “stable, safe, and well cared for,” emphasizing that NASA’s decision for an early return was necessary and prudent.
This unprecedented move marks the first time in NASA history that a crew mission aboard the International Space Station has been cut short due to health concerns. Fincke expressed gratitude towards NASA for prioritizing crew health, stating, “What stands out most to me is how clearly NASA cares about its people.”
The crew, which includes Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov, will undock from the ISS around 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday. The Crew Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to initiate its braking sequence at 2:50 a.m. on Thursday, leading to a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the southern coast of California at 3:40 a.m.
NASA revealed that the crew was initially expected to return around February 20, but a medical issue reported by an unidentified crew member prompted the early return. The specific medical details remain confidential under privacy guidelines, but officials confirmed that the situation is not an emergency evacuation.
James Polk, NASA’s chief medical officer, stated, “Even in this case, we’re erring on the side of caution,” reinforcing the organization’s commitment to crew safety. Fincke mentioned that the decision was made with “the best path forward” in mind, allowing for comprehensive medical evaluations on the ground, where advanced diagnostic capabilities are available.
As Crew 11 prepares for their departure, Fincke noted the camaraderie and teamwork that defined their mission. He remarked, “The ground teams—across mission control centers and partner organizations around the world—have been extraordinary.”
Following Crew 11’s return, the ISS will be managed by cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and his colleagues until the arrival of Crew 12, scheduled for launch on February 15. NASA is currently working to expedite this launch, ensuring a smooth transition for the ISS’s operations.
As the world watches, Crew 11’s return is a reminder of the risks and complexities of human spaceflight. The astronauts are looking forward to reuniting with their loved ones and addressing their medical concerns with top-tier care upon their return.
Stay tuned for updates on Crew 11’s journey back to Earth.
