NASA Weighs Early Crew-11 Return After ISS Medical Emergency

Overview

• NASA said Thursday it is actively evaluating all options, including ending the Crew-11 mission early, after a crew member experienced a health issue on Wednesday.
• The affected astronaut is in stable condition, and the agency is withholding medical details to protect privacy.
• A planned 6.5-hour spacewalk to install equipment outside the station was postponed.
• The crew launched from Florida in August 2025 with a planned return in May 2026, making an early return a rare step.
• The ISS has only basic medical capability, and NASA is coordinating contingency actions with partners from Japan and Russia.