Space station evacuation ends with Crew-11 splashdown off California coast

Four NASA astronauts splashed down off San Diego after their Crew-11 mission was cut short for medical reasons, and the astronaut who experienced the issue is reported to be in stable condition while all crew members undergo routine medical screenings.

Four NASA astronauts returned to Earth early Thursday with a splashdown off the coast of San Diego after their mission was cut short because of a medical issue affecting one crew member. NASA described the astronaut as stable and said all four are undergoing routine medical screenings. The mission began in August and logged about 850 hours in space. NASA and SpaceX said they would try to move up the launch of a replacement crew that is currently targeted for mid‑February. Known details: - Four NASA astronauts splashed down off San Diego early Thursday after their mission was cut short for medical reasons. - The flight was Crew-11 and logged nearly 850 hours in space. - NASA said the astronaut who experienced the medical issue is in stable condition and that all crew members are undergoing routine medical screenings. - Officials declined to identify the astronaut or provide medical details, citing medical privacy. - Entry and splashdown followed standard procedures and the recovery ship had its usual medical staff on board. - NASA and SpaceX said they would try to move up the launch of a fresh crew currently targeted for mid‑February. Summary: The early return ends a mission that began in August and leaves the space station with fewer U.S. crew members until the next team arrives. NASA has said it cannot perform a spacewalk, even in an emergency, until the replacement crew is on board. The agency and its partner will attempt to accelerate the next launch schedule, and officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.