NASA Conducts First Medical Evacuation from ISS, Four Astronauts Return Early

NASA conducted its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, returning four astronauts early due to a serious but stable medical condition affecting one crew member. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour undocked on January 14 and safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off California after a 10-hour descent. The multinational crew included NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA's Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Details about the medical issue remain confidential to protect privacy, with NASA emphasizing the decision prioritized crew health and access to advanced ground-based care.