NASA Astronaut Suffers Sudden Medical Scare in Space

Doctors still searching for cause of astronaut's mysterious inability to speak during space mission

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A NASA astronaut who prompted the agency's first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station earlier this year says doctors are still baffled by the sudden medical episode that left him temporarily unable to speak. Four-time space flier Mike Fincke said the incident occurred unexpectedly while he was eating dinner, causing his anxious crewmates to spring into action. Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel, said the episode lasted around 20 minutes and he felt fine afterward, with no lingering effects. Doctors have ruled out a heart attack but are still investigating other possible causes, including the effects of prolonged weightlessness during his 549 days in space.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the unique medical challenges astronauts can face in the extreme environment of space, and the importance of having robust medical protocols and evacuation procedures in place for the International Space Station. It also raises questions about the long-term health impacts of extended spaceflight, which NASA is closely studying as it prepares for future deep-space missions.

The details

Fincke said he was preparing for a spacewalk the next day when the sudden medical episode struck. He couldn't talk, but his crewmates quickly responded and requested assistance from flight surgeons on the ground. The space station's ultrasound machine was used to examine Fincke, and he has undergone extensive testing since returning to Earth. NASA is also reviewing other astronauts' medical records to see if similar incidents have occurred in space.

  • On January 7, Fincke experienced the sudden medical episode while eating dinner on the International Space Station.
  • Fincke and three other crewmates returned to Earth on January 15, more than a month earlier than planned due to the incident.

The players

Mike Fincke

A four-time NASA astronaut who has spent a total of 549 days in space, making him one of the most experienced astronauts on the International Space Station.

Jared Isaacman

The new administrator of NASA, who ordered Fincke to stop apologizing for the incident, telling him "This wasn't you. This was space, right? You didn't let anybody down."

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What they’re saying

“It was completely out of the blue. It was just amazingly quick.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut

“My crewmates definitely saw that I was in distress. It was all hands on deck within just a matter of seconds.”

— Mike Fincke, NASA Astronaut

“This wasn't you. This was space, right? You didn't let anybody down.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

What’s next

NASA is continuing to investigate the cause of Fincke's sudden medical episode, including reviewing other astronauts' medical records to see if similar incidents have occurred in space. The space agency is also working to ensure the privacy of astronauts' medical information to encourage them to report any health concerns without fear of compromising their privacy.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the unique medical challenges astronauts face in the extreme environment of space, and the importance of having robust medical protocols and evacuation procedures in place for the International Space Station. It also highlights the need for continued research into the long-term health impacts of extended spaceflight as NASA prepares for future deep-space missions.