NASA astronauts to return early over 'serious' medical issue.

NASA says Crew 11 will return to Earth this week after a 'serious medical condition' affecting one astronaut; the agency says the crew member is stable and splashdown is scheduled for early Thursday.

NASA announced that the Crew 11 mission will return to Earth later this week following a medical concern involving one crew member. This marks the first time an International Space Station mission has ended early for medical reasons in the station’s more than 25-year history. Agency officials said the affected astronaut is stable and that certain diagnostic tests are best performed on the ground. Key details: - NASA described the incident as a "serious medical condition" involving one astronaut and did not identify the individual to protect medical privacy. - Dr. James Polk and other officials said the situation is not an emergency evacuation but noted there is "lingering risk" and remaining questions about the diagnosis. - NASA said undocking of the SpaceX Dragon is scheduled for Wednesday, with a planned splashdown in the early hours of Thursday, and that timing remains subject to weather and recovery readiness. Summary: This is the first ISS mission to end early for medical reasons and involves Crew 11, which launched in August 2025. NASA has scheduled undocking on Wednesday and a planned splashdown early Thursday; timing may change based on recovery and weather conditions.