Chris Williams

The provided news articles discuss a medical issue affecting an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA is expediting the return of the four-member Crew-11, launched on August 1, 2026, after an astronaut developed an undisclosed but “serious” medical condition. A planned spacewalk was canceled due to the astronaut's health. NASA aims to have the crew depart the ISS no earlier than 5 PM EST on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with a landing near California targeted for early Thursday. The articles emphasize the urgency of the situation, leading to the early termination of the mission, which was originally scheduled to last approximately six months. The specific astronaut affected and the nature of the medical issue remain undisclosed by NASA, citing patient privacy. The situation is significant because it necessitates a rare medical evacuation from the ISS and disrupts planned research and operations.