In a rare development highlighting the challenges of long-duration spaceflight, NASA is evaluating an early conclusion to the SpaceX Crew-11 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to a medical concern involving one of its astronauts. The issue, which remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, has prompted the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and could lead to an unprecedented early crew rotation.
The situation unfolded on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, when the medical concern arose in the afternoon. NASA quickly responded by postponing a 6.5-hour extravehicular activity (EVA), or spacewalk, scheduled for Thursday, January 8. The spacewalk, intended to install external hardware in preparation for new solar arrays, was to be conducted by NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke. Although the affected astronaut’s condition is described as stable, the agency issued a statement early on January 8 indicating that it is “actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11’s mission.” NASA emphasized that “safely conducting our missions is our highest priority,” and further updates are expected within the next 24 hours.
Details about the medical issue remain tightly guarded, with NASA citing privacy considerations. However, reports note that Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui requested a private medical conference with a flight surgeon on January 7, though it’s unclear if this is connected to the broader concern. The ISS is equipped with basic medical facilities, including diagnostic tools and medications, but severe cases may require evacuation. Historically, while minor health issues have delayed spacewalks – such as spacesuit fit problems – NASA has never prematurely ended an ISS crew mission due to a medical emergency.
Crew-11 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 1, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, docking with the ISS the following day. The four-member team includes:
- Zena Cardman (NASA, Commander): A geoscientist making her first spaceflight.
- Mike Fincke (NASA, Pilot): A veteran astronaut with prior ISS experience, serving as the designated commander in some reports.
- Kimiya Yui (JAXA, Mission Specialist): A seasoned astronaut on his second ISS mission.
- Oleg Platonov (Roscosmos, Mission Specialist): A Russian cosmonaut contributing to international collaboration.
The mission was originally slated for a six-month duration, with the crew expected to return in late February or possibly extending to May, depending on operational needs. Currently, the ISS hosts seven crew members, including the Crew-11 quartet and a three-person long-duration team: NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev.
If NASA opts for an early return, the Crew Dragon spacecraft could bring the affected astronaut – or potentially the entire Crew-11 – back to Earth ahead of schedule. This would temporarily reduce the station to a three-person crew until the arrival of Crew-12, currently targeted for no earlier than February 15, 2026. Such a move could delay ongoing experiments and maintenance tasks but underscores the priority placed on crew health in the harsh environment of space, where microgravity, radiation, and isolation pose unique medical risks.
Public reaction on social media platforms has been swift, with users expressing concern and highlighting the inherent dangers of space exploration. Posts from news outlets and space enthusiasts alike emphasize the reminder of how “tough space is,” while calling for thoughts and well-wishes for the crew.
As the space community awaits NASA’s next update, this incident serves as a stark illustration of the contingencies built into human spaceflight programs. International partners, including JAXA and Roscosmos, are involved in the decision-making process, reflecting the collaborative nature of the ISS program. For now, operations aboard the station continue, with the crew’s safety at the forefront.
For more details, see coverage from NBC News, SpaceNews, and NASA’s official blog.
