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NASA's First Medical Evacuation: Crew-11 Returns Early

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a medical issue on January 7, prompting the early return of SpaceX Crew-11, the first medical evacuation in ISS history.
Fincke credited crewmates and NASA flight surgeons for stabilizing him.
The Crew-11 mission was planned to continue until late February but ended with a splashdown off San Diego on January 15 after NASA opted for evacuation due to the lack of advanced medical imaging on the ISS.
Fincke expressed gratitude to his crewmates and the medical staff involved in his care.

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Story summary

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a medical issue on January 7, prompting the early return of SpaceX Crew-11, the first medical evacuation in ISS history.
Fincke credited crewmates and NASA flight surgeons for stabilizing him.
The Crew-11 mission was planned to continue until late February but ended with a splashdown off San Diego on January 15 after NASA opted for evacuation due to the lack of advanced medical imaging on the ISS.
Fincke expressed gratitude to his crewmates and the medical staff involved in his care.