Astronauts splash down after SpaceX medical evacuation

Four astronauts returned to Earth after an unprecedented medical evacuation from the International Space Station, and NASA said the affected crew member is doing fine.

Four astronauts returned to Earth after an off-schedule medical evacuation from the International Space Station. Their mission was shortened by nearly a month after NASA moved to bring the crew home because of an undisclosed serious medical condition. NASA has not identified which astronaut was affected but said the person "is doing fine." The return used a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and concluded with a safe splashdown off the coast of San Diego. Key facts: - The crew of four — two Americans, one Russian and one Japanese astronaut — splashed down safely in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. - NASA ordered an early return because of an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one crew member and did not name that person. - NASA stated the astronaut is doing fine and that the decision allowed for fuller medical evaluation on the ground. - Flight operations continue: three crew remain aboard the ISS, and a new four-person crew is scheduled to launch in mid-February. Summary: This early return is reported as the first time NASA curtailed an ISS crew rotation for health reasons. Operations on the station continue with a reduced crew, and a replacement crew is planned to launch in mid-February.