NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Reveals Medical Issue During ISS Mission

Fincke was the crew member who required an early return to Earth last month.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, the commander of the International Space Station, has revealed that he was the crew member who experienced a medical issue in January that required a group of space station fliers to cut short their mission and return early to Earth. Fincke did not provide details about the medical issue or his current health status, but he expressed gratitude for his crewmates and the NASA team that ensured a positive outcome.

Why it matters

Astronaut health and safety are critical concerns for long-duration spaceflight missions, and this incident highlights the importance of having robust medical support and emergency procedures in place aboard the International Space Station. Fincke's transparency in sharing this experience also helps build public trust in the space program.

The details

On January 7, while aboard the International Space Station, Fincke experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from his crewmates. After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11, which included Fincke, commander Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. The four astronauts landed in a splashdown off the coast of San Diego on January 15, concluding their five-and-a-half-month mission.

  • On January 7, Fincke experienced a medical event aboard the International Space Station.
  • On January 15, Fincke and three other members of Crew-11 landed in a splashdown off the coast of San Diego.

The players

Mike Fincke

A NASA astronaut who was the commander of the International Space Station and experienced a medical issue during his mission.

Zena Cardman

The commander of Crew-11, which included Fincke and returned to Earth early due to Fincke's medical issue.

Kimiya Yui

A Japanese astronaut who was part of Crew-11 and returned to Earth early with Fincke.

Oleg Platonov

A Russian cosmonaut who was part of Crew-11 and returned to Earth early with Fincke.

Chris Williams

A member of the International Space Station crew who did not return to Earth early with Fincke and Crew-11.

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What they’re saying

“On Jan. 7, while aboard the International Space Station, I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut (CBS News)

“After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11 — not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut (CBS News)

“I'm doing very well and continuing standard post-flight reconditioning at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut (CBS News)

What’s next

NASA will continue to monitor Fincke's health and recovery as part of the standard post-flight reconditioning process at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of having robust medical support and emergency procedures in place for long-duration spaceflight missions, as well as the professionalism and dedication of the astronauts and ground crew involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of crew members aboard the International Space Station.