NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Discusses Medical Evacuation from ISS

Fincke opens up about his health issue that led to the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, part of the Crew-11 mission, has revealed details about the medical event that led to his early return from the International Space Station in January 2026. Fincke experienced a medical issue on January 7th that required immediate attention from his crewmates. NASA determined the safest course of action was an early return for the entire Crew-11, which splashed down off the coast of San Diego on January 15th after a 5.5-month mission. Fincke expressed gratitude for his crew and the NASA team, and said he is doing well and continuing post-flight reconditioning.

Why it matters

This incident marks the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, highlighting the challenges and risks astronauts face during long-duration spaceflight. Fincke's openness about his experience sheds light on how NASA and its international partners handle medical emergencies in space and the importance of having robust procedures in place to ensure astronaut safety.

The details

On January 7th, while aboard the International Space Station, Fincke experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from his crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and guidance from NASA flight surgeons, Fincke's status quickly stabilized. However, NASA determined the safest course of action was an early return for the entire Crew-11 mission, not an emergency evacuation, but a carefully coordinated plan to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station.

  • On January 7, 2026, Fincke experienced a medical event aboard the ISS.
  • On January 8, 2026, NASA canceled the scheduled spacewalk due to the medical concern.
  • On January 15, 2026, the Crew-11 mission, including Fincke, splashed down off the coast of San Diego.

The players

Mike Fincke

A NASA astronaut who was part of the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.

Zena Cardman

A NASA astronaut who was part of the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.

Kimiya Yui

A JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut who was part of the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.

Oleg Platonov

A Roscosmos cosmonaut who was part of the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.

Chris Williams

A member of the Expedition 74 crew on the International Space Station.

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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 (NASA)

“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 (NASA)

“I am deeply grateful to my fellow Expedition 74 members - Zena Cardman, Kimita Yui, Oleg Platnov, Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayev - as well as the entire NASA team, SpaceX and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla near San Diego. Their professionalism and dedication ensured a positive outcome.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut (NASA)

“I am doing very well and continuing post-flight reconditioning at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. Thank you all for your support.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut (NASA)

What’s next

NASA will likely conduct a thorough review of the incident and evaluate any necessary changes to medical protocols or emergency procedures for future long-duration spaceflight missions.

The takeaway

Fincke's experience highlights the importance of having robust medical support systems and emergency procedures in place for astronauts, as well as the resilience and adaptability required to overcome unexpected health challenges during spaceflight.