ISS Medical Evacuation: Crew-11 Astronauts Set for SpaceX Dragon Return

NASA has confirmed that four astronauts from the International Space Station will return to Earth earlier than planned following a medical concern involving one member of the Crew-11 mission. The move marks the first medical evacuation in the station’s history.

Mission managers on Tuesday gave the final approval for Crew-11’s departure aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Undocking from the ISS is scheduled for January 14, with splashdown expected less than 11 hours later off the coast of California, pending favourable weather conditions.

NASA astronaut Zena Cardman will command the Dragon capsule Endeavour, while Mike Fincke will serve as pilot. Mission specialists include Japan’s Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

Crew-11 arrived at the ISS in August and was originally scheduled to remain in orbit until mid-February. However, NASA announced last week that a medical issue affecting one astronaut required an early return. The agency has not disclosed the identity of the affected crew member, citing privacy protections.

NASA officials stressed that the evacuation will not interfere with upcoming Artemis lunar missions or other long-term spaceflight plans. The agency also confirmed that the ISS remains fully operational under the command of the remaining Expedition crew.

In their final hours aboard the station, Crew-11 astronauts completed last-minute scientific research, packed personal items and secured equipment inside the Dragon capsule. Crew members also shared farewell messages and final views of Earth before preparing for re-entry.

The planned splashdown is expected early Thursday morning, concluding a historic and carefully managed medical return from low-Earth orbit.