NASA may return ISS crew to Earth after astronaut's illness

NASA postponed a planned ISS spacewalk after a crew member developed a medical issue; the astronaut is reported to be in stable condition and mission control is assessing whether to end Crew 11’s mission early.

NASA has postponed a scheduled spacewalk after a crew member aboard the International Space Station reported a medical issue. The agency said the affected astronaut is in stable condition but did not identify them, citing medical privacy. Mission control is reviewing whether to bring the four-person Crew 11 home months ahead of schedule. NASA has announced a press conference at its Washington headquarters at 5:00 p.m. EST to discuss the situation. Known details: - NASA postponed a planned ISS spacewalk because of a medical issue affecting a crew member. - The affected crew member has not been named and is reported to be in stable condition; NASA cited medical privacy in withholding further details. - Mission control is considering an early return for the four-member Crew 11, who were scheduled to remain on the station until February. - If Crew 11 departs, three members of another crew (Chris Williams, Sergey Kud Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev) would remain aboard. - Officials noted that the ISS is designed to operate with a particular number of crew and some activities could be delayed if the station is understaffed. Summary: The immediate effect is the postponement of a planned spacewalk and a review of mission plans while the affected astronaut remains reported as stable. Mission control is assessing the possible early conclusion of Crew 11’s mission, and NASA plans to provide additional information at the scheduled 5:00 p.m. EST press conference.