US astronaut says illness that cut short space mission made him unable to talk

Astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a sudden, unexplained illness on January 7th while aboard the International Space Station, prompting NASA's first medical evacuation. Fincke, a four-time space flier, was preparing for a spacewalk when he suddenly lost the ability to speak. His crewmates noticed his distress and sought guidance from flight surgeons. The episode lasted approximately 20 minutes, and Fincke has felt fine since. Doctors have ruled out a heart attack, but the cause remains unknown, with possibilities including factors related to his extended time in weightlessness. Fincke had been on the space station for 5.5 months at the time of the incident.

Astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a sudden, unexplained medical episode on the International Space Station on January 7, 2026, rendering him unable to speak. The incident, which lasted about 20 minutes, prompted his crewmates to seek assistance from flight surgeons and ultimately led to NASA's first medical evacuation from the ISS. Fincke and three other crewmates returned to Earth on January 15. Despite extensive testing since his return, doctors have yet to determine the cause of the episode, ruling out a heart attack but still considering factors related to his extended time in space. NASA is reviewing other astronauts' medical records for similar instances. Fincke revealed his identity to end public speculation, expressing regret that his illness caused a canceled spacewalk and an early return for his crew.