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

NASA conducted its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, returning four astronauts early due to a serious but undisclosed medical condition affecting one crew member. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule undocked on January 14 and splashed down off California on January 15. The crew included NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Officials emphasized the affected astronaut is stable, and the early return allows for comprehensive medical evaluation on Earth.