James Polk

James Polk is an astronaut, part of the four-person Crew-11 mission currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, launched on August 1, 2026, was originally slated to last approximately six months. However, recent news indicates that Polk is experiencing a 'serious' but undisclosed medical issue. This health concern has prompted NASA to initiate a medical evacuation, cutting the mission short. A planned spacewalk was canceled, and the entire crew is scheduled to return to Earth via a SpaceX Dragon capsule, landing near California. This marks the first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS, highlighting the challenges and risks associated with long-duration spaceflight and the importance of ensuring astronaut health and safety. The situation underscores NASA's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its astronauts, even if it means altering mission timelines.