NASA sets timeline for astronauts' early ISS departure after medical issue

NASA said an astronaut developed a reported serious medical condition and that Crew-11 will begin returning from the International Space Station no earlier than 14 January, with a planned landing near California on 15 January.

NASA has announced plans to return four crew members from the International Space Station after an astronaut developed a reported serious medical condition. Agency leaders described the situation as not emergent and said the astronaut is stable. Officials said the crew will depart the station no earlier than 5pm EST on 14 January and aim to land near California on 15 January, depending on weather and recovery conditions. The agency cited patient privacy and did not identify the astronaut or disclose medical details. Known details: - NASA announced a medical evacuation after an astronaut developed a reported serious but undisclosed condition. - Agency officials said the astronaut is stable and that the situation is not an immediate emergency. - The crew will begin departing the ISS no earlier than 5pm EST on 14 January, aiming to land near California on 15 January, subject to weather and recovery conditions. - NASA cited patient privacy and did not identify the astronaut or the medical issue. Summary: This is the first medical evacuation from the ISS in its 25-year history. NASA has set a tentative return timeline for Crew-11 with a planned landing on 15 January. The agency cited privacy in declining to identify the astronaut, and additional details remain limited.