Astronaut Reflects on Health Scare That Cut ISS Mission Short

Mike Fincke says tests confirmed he did not have a stroke or heart attack during evacuation from the International Space Station.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 1:06am

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After being part of the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, astronaut Mike Fincke says the health scare turned out to be a false alarm. Fincke told a local TV station that testing back on Earth confirmed his good health and that he is recovering well. The Crew-11 mission he was part of had to return to Earth just shy of completing their full 5.5-month mission.

Why it matters

Fincke's experience highlights the risks and challenges astronauts face during long-duration space missions, as well as the importance of robust medical monitoring and emergency procedures aboard the International Space Station. His recovery also demonstrates the resilience of astronauts and the capabilities of space agencies to respond to unexpected medical events.

The details

Fincke was one of four astronauts on the SpaceX Crew-11 mission, spending several months conducting experiments and maintenance on the ISS. The crew had to return to Earth in January, just before completing their full mission, due to a health scare involving Fincke. However, Fincke said that subsequent testing back on Earth confirmed he did not have a stroke, heart attack, or any other serious medical issue.

  • Fincke and the Crew-11 mission returned to Earth in January 2026.
  • The Artemis mission is set to launch in April 2026.

The players

Mike Fincke

An American astronaut who was part of the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station, where he experienced a health scare that led to an early return to Earth.

SpaceX

The private aerospace company that launched the Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.

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What they’re saying

“It turns out that the things that they were worried about were not real. I didn't have a stroke. I didn't have a heart attack. All these things that they thought might have happened absolutely didn't happen.”

— Mike Fincke, Astronaut

“We can talk about it just as a work in progress, but of course, I'm a big Steelers fan, so any chance to do any work with the NFL is always appreciated. We'll see what the needs of the agency are, what the NFL needs. The draft is a really big deal.”

— Mike Fincke, Astronaut

What’s next

The Artemis mission, which is in preparation for another moon landing, is set to launch in April 2026. Fincke said he feels optimistic about going back to space and would love the opportunity to take a walk on the moon.

The takeaway

Fincke's experience highlights the risks and challenges astronauts face during long-duration space missions, as well as the importance of robust medical monitoring and emergency procedures aboard the International Space Station. His recovery also demonstrates the resilience of astronauts and the capabilities of space agencies to respond to unexpected medical events.