Crew-11 Returns to Earth Early Due to Medical Concern

Crew-11, which includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on August 1, 2025. They were originally scheduled to stay until mid-to-late February. However, on January 8, 2026, NASA announced that the mission would end early due to a medical situation involving one of the crew members. NASA has not disclosed specific details about the astronaut's condition, citing privacy concerns. The decision to return the crew early underscores NASA's commitment to astronaut safety and well-being. The SpaceX Dragon Endeavour, which transported the crew to the ISS, safely returned them to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Following Crew-11's departure, two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut remain on the ISS to continue Expedition 74. The next SpaceX Crew-12 mission is scheduled to depart in February to bring more crew members to the space station.

Due to a medical concern with one of the astronauts.

NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

January 15, 2026, off the coast of California.

NASA reported the astronaut was in stable condition, and an emergency evacuation was not ordered.

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