NASA Astronaut Speaks Out After Early Return from ISS

Mike Fincke details medical issue that prompted Crew-11's early departure from the International Space Station.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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NASA astronaut Mike Fincke has spoken out about the medical event he experienced while aboard the International Space Station (ISS) that prompted the early return of the Crew-11 mission. Fincke said he experienced a medical issue that required immediate attention from his crewmates, and NASA determined the safest course was an early return to Earth. Fincke expressed gratitude to his crew and the NASA team for ensuring a positive outcome.

Why it matters

This incident marks the first time in NASA's history that an astronaut mission has been cut short over health concerns, highlighting the challenges and risks of spaceflight. It also underscores the importance of the ISS's medical facilities and the need for robust emergency protocols to ensure astronaut safety.

The details

While aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 74, Fincke experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from his crewmates. NASA then decided the safest course of action was to bring the four-person Crew-11 mission home early, rather than have Fincke remain on the station. Crew-11 arrived at the ISS in August 2025 and were not scheduled to return until at least a month later, but they ultimately splashed down off the coast of San Diego on January 15, 2026.

  • Crew-11 arrived at the ISS in August 2025.
  • On January 7, 2026, NASA called off a scheduled spacewalk involving Fincke and Zena Cardman.
  • Crew-11 splashed down off the coast of San Diego on January 15, 2026.

The players

Mike Fincke

A NASA astronaut who experienced a medical event while aboard the International Space Station as part of Expedition 74.

Zena Cardman

A NASA astronaut who was scheduled to conduct a spacewalk with Fincke, but the event was called off due to Fincke's medical issue.

Jared Isaacman

The newly installed NASA administrator who made the decision to bring the Crew-11 mission home early.

Expedition 74 crew

The other members of the Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station, including Kimiya Yui, Oleg Platonov, Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayev.

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

The medical facility near San Diego where Crew-11 splashed down and Fincke received further evaluation.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply grateful to my fellow Expedition 74 members — Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, Oleg Platonov, 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)

“Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut (NASA)

What’s next

NASA and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla will continue to monitor Fincke's health and recovery as he undergoes standard post-flight reconditioning at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and challenges of spaceflight, and the importance of having robust emergency protocols and medical facilities aboard the International Space Station to ensure astronaut safety. It also underscores the dedication and professionalism of the NASA team and its international partners in responding to such medical emergencies.