Space station ultrasound helped during medical evacuation

Astronauts said a portable ultrasound aboard the International Space Station was used when a medical issue arose on Jan. 7 and helped during the response; the crew declined to say which member received care.

Four astronauts who returned early from the International Space Station described how a portable ultrasound unit was used during a medical issue. The event occurred on Jan. 7 and led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk the following day. The crew spoke about the incident during a public appearance after splashdown and did not identify which person received treatment. NASA characterized the return as its first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight. Key details: - The crew used the onboard portable ultrasound after a medical issue on Jan. 7, and a scheduled spacewalk for Jan. 8 was canceled. - The astronauts declined to name which crew member required medical attention. - The four returned to Earth and splashed down in the Pacific off San Diego on Jan. 15 after a roughly 5½-month mission, which was about a month shorter than planned. - Replacements for the crew are scheduled to launch in mid-February, and NASA and SpaceX are working to move that flight earlier. Summary: The astronauts said the onboard ultrasound and their preflight training were important in addressing the health concern and managing the response on orbit. Replacements are due in mid-February and officials are coordinating to advance that launch.