Astronaut Mike Fincke, commander of the International Space Station (ISS), confirmed that he and his crewmates will return to Earth earlier than planned due to a medical issue. In a post on LinkedIn, Fincke stated that he, Crew 11 commander Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov are “stable, safe and well cared for.” The crew’s early return is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2024.
Fincke described NASA’s decision to bring the crew home as “the right call, even if it’s a bit bittersweet.” He expressed optimism about reuniting with loved ones and receiving comprehensive medical evaluations upon their return. The astronauts were initially expected to conclude their mission around February 20, 2024, but a crew member reported a medical issue the day prior, prompting the early departure.
Details of the Return Journey
The crew plans to undock from the ISS at approximately 17:00 EST on February 14 and will execute a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California at around 03:40 on February 15. Following their return, Fincke and his colleagues will undergo medical assessments aboard a SpaceX recovery ship, before being flown by helicopter to shore. A NASA plane will then transport them back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
While the specific medical concern remains undisclosed, Fincke indicated that the situation is not debilitating. He emphasized the need for appropriate medical evaluations on the ground, where full diagnostic capabilities are available. He noted, “This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground.”
Significance of the Early Return
This early return represents a historic moment for NASA, marking the first instance in which a crew has been instructed to shorten their mission due to a medical issue. James Polk, NASA’s chief medical officer, mentioned that statistical analyses suggest a medical evacuation should occur approximately every three years, yet none have happened until now. “Even in this case, we’re erring on the side of caution,” he stated.
Fincke will formally transfer command of the ISS to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov during a brief ceremony before the crew’s departure. He expressed gratitude towards the ground teams and acknowledged the collaboration that made this decision possible, stating, “What stands out most to me is how clearly NASA cares about its people.”
With the departure of Crew 11, Kud-Sverchkov and his crewmates will occupy the ISS until Crew 12 arrives. Currently, Crew 12 is scheduled for launch on February 15, but NASA is exploring options to expedite their return to the station.
Fincke concluded his message by reassuring the public of the crew’s readiness for their return, expressing confidence in their colleagues who will continue operations aboard the ISS. “We’re leaving the ISS in great hands,” he remarked, highlighting the strong partnerships that characterize NASA’s international missions.
