NASA astronauts return to Earth after unprecedented ISS medical evacuation

Four Crew-11 astronauts splashed down off California early on Jan. 15 after an early evacuation from the ISS prompted by an undisclosed medical issue affecting one crew member; NASA says the crew are safe and in good spirits.

Four astronauts from SpaceX Crew-11 returned to Earth after an early evacuation from the International Space Station following a medical issue that affected one crew member. The Dragon capsule splashed down in the Pacific off the coast of California at 3:41 a.m. ET on Jan. 15. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the crew are "safe and in good spirits." The early return is reported to be the first time an ISS mission was cut short for health reasons. Known details: - The four astronauts are named as Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov. - The Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at 5:20 p.m. ET on Jan. 14 and splashed down about 15 hours later on Jan. 15. - NASA has said the medical issue involved one individual but has not identified that astronaut, citing medical privacy. - After splashdown the capsule was recovered by a SpaceX ship, the crew were assisted out and taken to routine medical checks, and all four are now at a local hospital. - Crew-11 had launched Aug. 1, 2025, and had been scheduled to remain aboard the ISS until mid-February. Summary: The early return concludes the Crew-11 mission ahead of its planned handover and is described as the first ISS mission shortened for health reasons. The four astronauts are receiving medical attention on shore and NASA said it will share updates on the affected crew member's condition as appropriate. Crew-12 is scheduled to arrive next month, and other crew members remain aboard the ISS. Undetermined at this time.