Background on Crew Members and Their Mission
Crew 11, consisting of NASA astronauts Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, embarked on their mission aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) on August 1, 2022. Typically lasting around six months, their mission was expected to conclude with a return to Earth in the coming weeks.
NASA’s Announcement and Decision
On Thursday, NASA’s Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that Crew 11 would return earlier than planned due to a medical issue affecting one of the crew members. Isaacman clarified that this was not an emergency but a precautionary measure taken because of “the persistent risk.” He assured that the affected astronaut is stable.
SpaceX and NASA’s Plans for Return
According to a statement from NASA, the Crew 11 departure from the ISS is scheduled no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on January 14, with a splashdown off the coast of California anticipated early on January 15, contingent upon weather and recovery conditions.
Unprecedented Medical Evacuation
Amit Khatriya, NASA’s Associate Administrator, noted that this marks the “first time” they’ve conducted a “controlled medical evacuation from the vehicle,” highlighting its rarity.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the members of Crew 11? The crew consists of NASA astronauts Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
- What is the reason for their early return? Crew 11 is returning early due to a medical issue affecting one of the crew members, which was deemed a persistent risk by NASA.
- Is this an emergency? No, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman clarified that this is not an emergency but a precautionary measure.
- When is the planned return date and time? NASA and SpaceX aim to launch Crew 11’s return no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on January 14, with a splashdown off the coast of California expected early on January 15, pending weather and recovery conditions.
- Why is this a rare event? According to NASA’s Associate Administrator Amit Khatriya, this is the “first time” they’ve executed a “controlled medical evacuation from the vehicle,” making it unusual.
