NASA has confirmed plans for its first medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) following an astronaut’s serious health issue. The agency announced that the crew is set to depart the ISS no earlier than 17:00 EST on January 14, 2025, aiming for a landing near California early the next morning, January 15, 2025, contingent on weather and recovery conditions.
During a briefing, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated, “After discussions with chief health and medical officer Dr. James Polk and leadership across the agency, I’ve come to the decision that it’s in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of their planned departure.” This decision marks a historic moment, as it is the first medical evacuation in the ISS’s 25-year operational history.
The identity of the affected astronaut has not been disclosed, nor has the specific medical issue, due to patient privacy concerns. Isaacman emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting, “This was a serious medical condition. That is why we’re pursuing this path.” Despite the gravity of the situation, Dr. Polk reassured that the astronaut is stable and that the evacuation is not urgent. “We’re not immediately disembarking and getting the astronaut down, but it leaves that lingering risk and lingering question as to what that diagnosis is,” he said.
The current Crew-11 includes U.S. Commander Zena Cardman, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Three additional crew members, Chris Williams from the U.S. and Russia’s Sergei Mikayev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, will continue their missions aboard the station.
NASA’s decision to evacuate highlights the challenges of maintaining health in the unique environment of space. The ISS, which has served as a critical platform for scientific research and international collaboration, is approaching the end of its operational lifespan. The agency plans to decommission the aging station by late 2030 or early 2031 due to high operational costs.
As preparations for the evacuation unfold, the focus remains on the health and safety of the astronauts. NASA’s ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies in space will be closely watched as the agency continues its commitment to human spaceflight.
