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Crew-11 Splashes Down Off California After First Early Medical Return From the ISS

NASA ordered a controlled medical evacuation because the station lacks the tools to fully diagnose and treat the condition.

Overview

  • The SpaceX Dragon carrying Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Oleg Platonov and Kimiya Yui completed a night splashdown near San Diego after undocking earlier in the day.
  • The affected astronaut is reported in stable condition, with identity and medical details withheld, and all four crewmembers were flown to a local facility before heading to Houston.
  • Agency officials said the precautionary return was prompted by diagnostic limits on the ISS, which lacks large imaging systems such as X‑ray and MRI.
  • The early departure leaves the station operating with a reduced crew as partners work to accelerate the next rotation, with the Crew-12 launch targeted no earlier than mid‑February.
  • NASA had canceled a planned January 8 spacewalk linked to Crew‑11 days before deciding on the mission’s early return.