ISS astronaut medical evacuation latest news: Crew-11 astronauts safely back on Earth

NASA prepares to return 4 astronauts home early

NASA is drawing up plans today to return four Crew-11 astronauts to Earth from the International Space Station earlier than planned due to a medical concern with one of the space travelers. We will have the latest updates as events unfold here.

The Crew-11 astronauts are NASA's Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan's Kimuya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov. NASA officials canceled a planned Jan. 8 spacewalk by Fincke and Cardman due to the medical concern, but the agency has not said which of the four astronauts suffered the medical issue out of privacy concerns.

The astronaut who suffered the medical issue is in a stable condition, but NASA does want to return them to Earth where they can receive treatment with better care than the conditions on the ISS allow.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced his decision to bring the Crew-11 astronauts home early on their SpaceX Dragon capsule on Thursday (Jan. 8). The agency is now drawing up plans to both undock the Crew-11 Dragon and splashdown off the Florida coast early, while also accelerating the planned launch of a replacement crew on the SpaceX Crew-12 mission.

The departure of the Crew-11 astronauts will leave NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two cosmonauts, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev, on their own on the ISS. Crew-11 launched to the ISS in August 2025, with Williams and crew launching on a Soyuz rocket in November.

Watch this space for more updates on this developing story.

Tariq Malik

ISS astronaut evacuation won't affect Artemis 2 moon launch

NASA's plan to rturn the four Crew-11 astronauts home early from the International Space Station and accelerate the launch of their replacement team, Crew-12, from Florida should not impact the agency's plans to also launch another crew of astronauts to the moon in February.

NASA chief Jared Isaacman said Thursday that NASA's Artemis 2 mission, which will launch four astronauts around the moon, will remain on track to launch in early February. The mission will lift off from the Kennedy Space Center, where SpaceX will also launch the Crew-12 astronauts. The Crew-11 astronauts will also have to splashdown off the Florida coast before then.

"These would be totally separate campaigns at this point," Isaacman said during a Jan. 8 press conference to provide an update on NASA's decision to end Crew-11 early. "There's no reason to believe at this point in time that there'd be any overlap that we have to deconflict for."

You can read the full story here by Staff Writer Josh Dinner.

Former astronauts weigh-in on ISS situation

Former Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield posted his thoughts regarding NASA's recent decision to fly Crew-11 astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) back to Earth due to an ongoing medical issue.

"Big decision by NASA leadership, with multiple domino impacts on operations, but I’m glad to see, as always, crew health and safety come first," Hadfield wrote on X.

Normally, NASA overlaps incoming and outgoing crews aboard the ISS, but with the possibility of evacuating Crew-11 before Crew-12's arrival, Hadfield voiced confidence. "The Station will be more vulnerable until the replacement crew of 4 can launch, but we have deep experience running the place with just 3 astronauts for a while," he wrote.

Former NASA astronaut Ed Lu also weighed in on X. "The afflicted space station astronaut ... is almost certainly feeling they have let down the crew. We were trained to get the mission done. But I do trust NASA to do the right thing here."

It's still unclear when exactly Crew-11 will depart the station, or when and if NASA will determine an earlier launch date for Crew-12.

Josh Dinner

Not NASA's first medical issue in space

While NASA's current astronaut medical issue on the International Space Station has led to the first-ever planned medical evacuation of a crew from the orbiting lab, it is far from the first time the space agency has had to deal with a medical concern in orbit.

Dr. James Polk, NASA's chief medical officer, told reporters late Thursday that medical issues we find common on Earth - like a toothache or other mild malady - are the same sort of things that have historically occurred with astronauts. The specific nature of the current issue, and the astronaut who experienced it, are being withheld for privacy reasons, he added.

Still, there is a record of medical concerns on the ISS, including ones that led to delays for spacewalks or other tasks.

In August 2020, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and his crewmate Akhiko Hoshide had their planned spacewalk called off days before the event due to a minor medical issue that remained undisclosed. And in 2008, European Space Agency astronaut Hans Schlegel was replaced on his ISS spacwalk by NASA astronaut Stanley Love due to a medical concern.

Here's a look at those astronaut medical issues and others from the history of human spaceflight by our writer Josh Dinner.

Tariq Malik

Astronaut medical issue not an injury, NASA says

As we await updates from NASA on when it will perform the medical evacuation of four Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station, there are some details we can glean of the nature of the medical issue concerning one of the astronauts.

You can read our look back at medical issues in space here by Josh Dinner.

Dr. James Polk, NASA's chief medical officer, has said the medical issue is not an injury to the astronaut afflicted, but rather something related to the prolonged exposure to weighlessness by astronauts living and working on the International Space Station.

"It's mostly having a medical issue in the difficult areas of microgravity and the suite of hardware that we operate in," Polk said.

NASA officials have also said the issue was not connected with the Crew-11 astronauts' work at the time to prepare for a planned spacewalk scheduled for Jan. 8, which was subsequently cancelled.

The months-long missions on the ISS can have lasting effects on the human body, forcing astronauts to readapt to live on Earth when they return, including rebuilding the muscle mass and bone density lost in space. At least one astronaut suffered a blood clot in orbit due to deep vein thrombisis at the two-month mark of a planned six-month mission. Physicians on Earth were able to devise a treatment for the astronaut to implement in space to address the issue and complete the mission's full duration.

Crew-11 tests suits, begins packing for medical evac

The four astronauts of NASA's Crew-11 mission on the International Space Station don't have a landing date yet for their medical evacuation from due to a medical concern with one of the crew, but they're already preparing to leave, NASA says.

"No departure date has been announced, though the crew has begun checking the fit and operability of their Dragon pressure suits," NASA wrote in update today. "Fit verification is necessary because the spine lengthens and body fluids shift toward the head in microgravity, affecting torso and limb dimensions. The quartet also tested the suits' audio and video communication systems."

The Dragon pressure suits are the same black and white SpaceX spacesuits worn by Crew-11 astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platanov during their launch in August 2025. Cardman will command the Dragon flight home with Fincke as pilot. Kimuya and Platanov will serve as mission specialists.

The astronauts have also begun packing for their trip home.

"The foursome began collecting their personal items and packing them for stowage aboard the spacecraft," NASA wrote in the update.

Cardman spent time today flushing water from and powerfing down two NASA spacesuits on the ISS. She and Fincke were supposed to use the suits during a spacewalk on Jan. 8 and another one next week. Both spacewalks werte canceled due to the medical issue with one of the Crew-11 astronauts.

Yui and Platanov spent time on final science experiments of their mission, including one by Platanov studying how the inner lining of blood vessels work to keep blood flowing in space, in order to avoid the formation of blood clots.

Tariq Malik

Next Crew-11 landing update tomorrow

Hey, Space Fans, NASA continues to study the return options for the four Crew-11 astronauts and we are awaiting the agency's next update on its landing plans, though it does appear that the medical evacuation of the crew from the International Space Station is not imminent for Saturday. If that changes, we'll definitely post an update here.

In the meantime, we'll pause our updates for the day and join you again on Saturday when we anticipate the next update on NASA's plans to return the Crew-11 astronauts to Earth.

Tariq Malik

NASA planning on Jan. 15 return of Crew-11 astronauts

NASA is targeting no earlier than 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) on Jan. 14 for the early departure of the Crew-11 astronauts after an undisclosed medical incident aboard the International Space Station.

The crew will deorbit aboard Endeavour, with splashdown expected early Jan. 15, off the coast of California, "depending on weather and recovery conditions," according to a post from the space station's account on X.

Josh Dinner

SpaceX prepares for Crew-11 medical evacuation

SpaceX says it's Dragon spacecraft at the International Space Station is ready to return its four Crew-11 astronauts home in an unprecedented medical evacuation on Jan. 14 and 15.

"Dragon and Crew-11 are targeted t undock from the space station no earlier than Wednesday, January 14," SpaceX wrote in a mission update on X late yesterday.

The SpaceX statement came on the heels of NASA's announcement that the Crew-11 astronauts were scheduled to undock from the space station on Jan. 14 and splashdown off the coast of California early on Jan. 15.

Splashdown is now set for 3:40 a.m. EST (0740 GMT) on Thursday, Jan. 15, NASA officials said.

The Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft will return NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke to Earth alongside Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platanov.

NASA decided to evacuate the crew, which make up four of the seven astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station, on Jan. 8 after an apparently serious medical concern arose with one of the four Crew-11 astronauts. The astronaut is stable, but NASA officials opted for a "controlled medical evacuation" in order to provide astronaut better treatment on the ground, NASA chief Jared Isaacman has said.

Tariq Malik

NASA Timeline revealed for Crew-11 medical evacuation

With NASA and SpaceX officially targeting a Jan. 14 undocking for the Crew-11 astronauts at the International Space Station, we now know the timeline for the medical evacuation of the four astronauts back to Earth.

NASA announced the undocking date late Friday, as well as a detailed timline of events for the ISS departure and landing. Here's a look at the timeline as it stands now:

Wednesday, Jan. 14 - all times in EST

• 3 p.m. - Hatch closure coverage begins on NASA TV and streaming platforms
• 3:30 p.m. - SpaceX Dragon hatch and ISS hatch closed for undocking
• There will be a break here between hatch closure coverage and undocking views.
• 4:45 p.m. - Undocking coverage begins
• 5 p.m. - Undocking and initial ISS departure
• There will be a break here in coverage between undocking and landing.

Thursday, Jan. 15 - all times in EST

• 2:15 a.m - Landing coverage begins on NASA TV and streaming platforms
• 2:50 a.m. - Dragon Deorbit burn
• 3:40 a.m. - Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off California coast
• 5:45 a.m. - Post-landing return to Earth press conference

This current timeline could change as NASA and SpaceX monitor weather at the splashdown site.

"Mission managers continue monitoring conditions in the recovery area, as undocking of the SpaceX Dragon depends on spacecraft readiness, recovery team readiness, weather, sea states, and other factors," NASA wrote in an update. "NASA and SpaceX will select a specific splashdown time and location closer to the Crew-11 spacecraft undocking."

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 early return will leave skeleton crew on ISS

When the four astronauts of NASA's Crew-11 mission return to Earth early on Jan. 15, they will leave behind three crewmates on the International Space Station to keep the orbital lab running until a replacement crew can arrive.

NASA's medical evacuation of Crew-11 astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platanov will leave NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev behind on the station as caretakers until four more astronaus on Crew-12 can arrive.

While NASA and SpaceX are working to accelerate the launch of Crew-12's astronauts, the reduced crew size on the station could last at least a month of more. Crew-12 was scheduled to launch sometime in February.

Read our full story on the ISS skeleton crew by Mike Wall.

Tariq Malik

Japan's Crew-11 astronaut takes photo farewell of ISS

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui is saying some farewells to the Japan-built section of the International Space Station as he and his Crew-11 crewmates prepare for their medical evacuation from the orbiting lab on Jan. 14.

Yui shared a photo on Friday that he took from a window on the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo module, the largest science laboratory on the space station, showing the module's airlock and experiment platform. The space station's main truss and two giant solar arrays can be seen, as well as the blue arc of the Earth below.

"Today was a very busy day as well, so I was working quite late.," Yui wrote. "I hadn't taken the photos to introduce to everyone, so I just shot them from the window of 'Kibo' a little while ago. Since I'll soon have to bid farewell to this view as well, I want to burn it firmly into my eyes, and even more so, into my heart."

Yui is on his second trip to the ISS with the Crew-11 mission. He's been taking spectacular photos of Earth and space from the station, as well as videos like the one here shared by Space.com writer Anthony Wood:

Astronaut on ISS captures spectacular orbital video of zodiacal light, auroras and the Pleiades

Yui will return to Earh on Jan. 15 in the wee hours of the morning with Crew-11 crewmates Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman (both of NASA) and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platanov, with their SpaceX Dragon capsule splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.

Tariq Malik

How to watch Crew-11's medical evac from ISS

When NASA and SpaceX return the Crew-11 astronauts to Earth in a medical evacuation of the Internatinal Space Station, the space agency will broadcast it live and you'll have a variety of options to watch it online.

NASA's Crew-11 astronuats - commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke (both of NASA, and mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platanov - will return to Earth on Jan. 15 after undocking a day earlier due to a medical concern that arose Jan. 7 with one of the astronauts.

NASA will livestream the undocking on Jan. 14 starting at about 3 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) on NASA TV, as well as its NASA+ streaming service. Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix and Roku. You can also follow it live on the agency's social media channels like Facebook, Twitch, X and YouTube. All the links are on NASA's Ways to Watch page here.Space.com will also provide a livestream simulcast of NASA's broadcast.

The landing livestreams will begin early Jan. 15 at 2:15 a.m. EST (0615 GMT), with splashdown set for 3:40 a.m. EST (0740 GMT).

This will be our last update of the day, barring any new update from NASA. We'll be back on Sunday to more on the packing and other preparations of the crew ahead of their unplanned departure from the ISS.

Thanks for tuning in.

Tariq Malik

New commander to take charge soon

Good morning, all. Today is Sunday, Jan. 11 and we are just about three days away from NASA's planned medical evacation of four Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station on Jan. 14, and four days away from their splashdown on Jan. 15.

We begin today with news that NASA and its international partners have arranged for an accelerated change of command ceremony on the ISS. That ceremony, which was to occur many weeks from now, will now occur on Monday, Jan. 12, at 2:35 p.m. EST (1835 GMT). You'll be able to watch it live on Space.com, courtesy of NASA. Joining Fincke on the trip to Earth will be Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman of NASA and mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonaov of Russia. NASA called for their early return after a medical issue arose with one of the four on Jan. 7.

So why does this command change involve the Crew-11 medical evacuation? It's because the current commander of the International Space Station's joint Expedition 74 mission is Crew-11 pilot Mike Fincke, a veteran ISS astronaut who will now return to Earth early.

Fincke will hand over control of the ISS to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, who arrived at the station in November with fellow cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev and NASA astronaut Chris Williams.

Tariq Malik

NASA, SpaceX: Weather looks favorable for Crew-11 return

NASA and SpaceX continue to track weather conditions in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, where a Dragon capsule is expected to splashdown with the four Crew-11 astronauts on Jan. 15 to complete their medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

So far, it seems like the weather does look good for the earlier than planned landing.

"NASA and SpaceX are reviewing weather conditions in the splashdown zones, which currently are favorable for return," NASA wrote in a mission update today.

The Crew-11 Dragon capsule, called Endeavour, will splash down in the Pacific at about 3:40 a.m. EST (0740 GMT) on Thursday, Jan. 14. It will be 12:40 a.m. local time, with the splashdown and recovery occuring in darkness.

SpaceX's recovery crews typically aims to collect the Dragon capsule and extract its crew within an hour or so of splashdown. But good weather and sea conditions are key for a smooth recovery.

SpaceX details 11-hour return to Earth for Crew-11 astronauts

As SpaceX prepares to return four Crew-11 astronauts to Earth for NASA under the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, the company has shared a few details in what the trip home will look like for the astronauts.

Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke (both of NASA) and mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonov of Russia will return to Earth on the Dragon Endeavour capsule on Thursday, Jan. 15, but their journey begins a half day earlier on Jan. 14, when they'll undock from the ISS.

"After performing a series of departure burns to move away from the space station, Dragon will conduct multiple orbit-lowering maneuvers, jettison the trunk, and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere for splashdown off the coast of California approximately 11 hours later on Thursday, January 15," SpaceX wrote in an updated mission overview. Splashdown is currently scheduled for 3:40 a.m. EST (0740 GMT) off the southern coast of California.

NASA officials have said the weather forecast currently looks favorable for the return to Earth, but both NASA and SpaceX will continue to monitor conditions since the splashdown is currently scheduled to occur in darkness. Weather conditions and rough seas can influence whether SpaceX and NASA commit to undock from the ISS and target a specific splashdown site.

While 11 hours seems like a long time for a medical evacuation from the ISS, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said on Jan. 8 that aside from the early departure from the space station (Crew-11 was expected to last another month or so), Crew-11's return to Earth would follow SpaceX's normal undocking and reentry procedures.

The astronaut who suffered the medical issue (NASA is not naming the astronut due to medical privacy concerns) is in a stable condition and should not require special assistance or measures for the trip home, NASA has said.

SpaceX splashdown options for Crew-11 astronauts

While NASA and SpaceX are poised to return the four Crew-11 astronauts to Earth in the wee hours of Thursday, Jan. 15, the weather will ultimately determine exactly where the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the crew will splash down off the coast of Southern California.

NASA said today that the weather looks favorable for a 3:40 a.m. ET splashdown off the California coast, but that the space agency and SpaceX willmake a final decision closer to landing day (likely around undocking on Jan. 14) on which landing zone to target.

"NASA will share more details about its coverage plans in the coming days," NASA officials wrote in an update.

In 2025, SpaceX switched exclusively to Pacific splashdowns for its Dragon capsules to avoid any debris from its expendable "trunk" from falling over populated areas. But there is more than one drop zone available to choose from.

In the past, SpaceX has reserved splashdown sites off the coast of San Diego, Oceanside and Los Angeles in Southern California, and we expect the same for the upcoming Crew-11 Dragon return.

This will be our final update of today for SpaceX and NASA's Crew-11 astronaut medival evacuation from the International Space Station. We'll be back Monday morning, Jan. 12, for the next update.

Thanks for joining us and we'll see you tomorrow.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 pilot to hand control of station over today

Good morning. NASA and SpaceX are now two days away from their planned "controlled medical evacuation" of four Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station.

To prepare for that departure, Crew-11 pilot Mike Fincke of NASA, who has been commanding the joint Expedition 74 crew on the ISS, will officially relinquish his command in a change-of-command ceremony that will shift control of the orbting lab over to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. EST (1835 GMT) today, Jan. 12, and will be webcast live on NASA TV, NASA+ and the space agnecy's streaming service and social media platforms.

Fincke and Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman of NASA, Japan's Kimiya Yui and Russia's Oleg Platonov will undock their SpaceX Dragon capsule from the ISS on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and return to earth early Jan. 15 due to a medical issue with one of the astronauts that occurred on Jan. 7. It is the first-ever medical evacuation of astronauts from the ISS.

The four Crew-11 astronauts will leave behind Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, his fellow cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev and NASA astronaut Chris Williams, who will remain aboard the ISS to complete the remained of a six-month mission that began in late November.

Tariq Malik

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui captures stunning view of aurora ahead of ISS departure

As members of Crew-11 continue to wrap up their time aboard the ISS, they are still taking the little moments to appreciate their orbital home for the past several months, and savoring views of Earth from space while they can.

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui posted a video to X over the weekend, showing a dazzling view of auroras spreading like a tall blanket over the darkened Earth below. "Knowing that I would soon return, the sun must have tried its best, as I was able to capture a very beautiful aurora," a translation of his post says.

A change of command ceremony aboard the ISS is scheduled today at 2:35 p.m. EST (1835 GMT), and will be webcast live on NASA TV, NASA+ and the space agency's streaming service and social media platforms.

Josh Dinner

Watch NASA Crew-11 astronaut hand over control of the ISS today

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke will hand command of the International Space Station's current Expedition 74 mission over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov today (Jan. 12) during a ceremony that starts at 2:35 p.m. EST (1935 GMT). You can watch it live via NASA+, Amazon Prime, and NASA's YouTube channel.

Fincke is one of the four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission, which will head back to Earth on Wednesday (Jan. 14). Crew-11 was supposed to stay at the ISS for another month but is coming home early due to a medical issue with one of its astronauts. NASA has not revealed the identity of that crewmember, citing privacy concerns.

The other Crew-11 astronauts are NASA's Zena Cardman, Japan's Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

International Space Station Change of Command Ceremony - YouTube

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Mike Wall

Crew-11 pilot hands ISS control over in heartfelt ceremony

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, pilot of the Crew-11 mission, officially relinquished command of the International Space Station's Expedition 74 mission today in a heartfelt ceremony that ended it a 7-astronaut group hug.

Read our full story: 'It is bittersweet': Crew-11 astronaut hands over control of ISS ahead of 1st-ever medical evacuation

Fincke turned control of the ISS over to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchov during the ceremony, and even handed a golden key to the station over to its new chief.

"We're leaving you all with a lot of work, but also with a lot of knowledge knowing that you guys are really going to do super well," Fincke said to Kud-Sverchkov.

The ceremony came just two days before Fincke and three other Crew-11 astronauts will depart the ISS in a "controlled medical evacuation" due to a medical concern with one of the astronauts. NASA called for the early departure - the first of its kind on the ISS - on Jan. 8 after one of the astronauts experienced a medical issue the day before.

The Crew-11 SpaceX Dragon capsule will undock from the ISS on Jan. 14 to return Fincke to Earth alongside Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman of NASA, and mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonov of Russia. NASA is not identifying which astronaut suffered the medical issue out of privacy concerns.

The Crew-11 astronauts are scheduled to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California early on Thursday, Jan. 15. They arrived at the ISS in August 2025.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 astronauts pack Dragon for ISS departure

The four astronauts of NASA's Crew-11 SpaceX Dragon mission to the International Space Station ended their day today with work to pack up their spacecraft for their planned medical evacuation from the orbiting lab on Jan. 14.

The Crew-11 astronauts moved their personal items and other gear into the Dragon ahead of their planned undocking on Wednesday, a move that came hours after Crew-11 pilot Mike Fincke, who had been serving as ISS commander, turned control over to a Russian crewmate.

"At the end of Monday’s shift, the foursome retrieved computer tablets from inside Dragon and reviewed the steps they will use while departing the station and reentering Earth’s atmosphere," NASA wrote in an afternoon update.

The Crew-11 astronauts, which in addition to Fincke include commander Zena Cardman and mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonov of Russia, will undock from the ISS on Jan. 14 and land early on Jan. 15 following a medical issue with one of the astronauts that occured on Jan. 7, NASA has said. It is the first-ever medical evacuation of the ISS.

With the Crew-11 astronauts at the end of their day, this will be our final post of today. Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you tomorrow the latest on their return to Earth.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 astronauts prepare for ISS medical evacuation

Good morning. We are currently one day away from planned medical evacuation of Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station, which is currently scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 5:05 p.m. EST (2105 GMT).

Read our full story: 'It is bittersweet': Crew-11 astronaut hands over control of ISS ahead of 1st-ever medical evacuation

Yesterday, Crew-11 pilot Mike Fincke - who was commanding the station's Expedition 74 crew - handed control over to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchov ahead of his departure with Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman and mission specialists Kimiya Yui and Okeg Platonov.

Today, the astronauts are expected to complete their packing up of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour capsule that will return them to Earth this week. After undocking on Jan. 14, they will spend 11 hours in transit for a splashdown off the coast of Southern California in the wee hours of Thursday, Jan. 14.

Splashdown is currently scheduled for 3:40 a.m. EST (0740 GMT) on Thursday.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 saves time for some last-minute science as they prepare their departure

After yesterday's change of command ceremony, astronauts aboard the International Space Station began preparing their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for departure. Amid the prep, however, there is still time for science.

An update describes NASA astronaut Zena Cardman using the station's Ultrasound 2 instrument to image NASA astronaut Chris Williams' arteries and collected blood pressure measurements. The two also conducted an ocular examination on one of Cardman's eyes, to assess how her retina, cornea, and lens have been affected by microgravity.

NASA is still targeting Wednesday (Jan. 14) at 5 p.m. EST (2200) for Crew-11's undocking from the ISS. They are expected to splash down off the U.S. Pacific Coast aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endeavour about 11 hours later.

Josh Dinner

"The time I have left in space is also running out."

Crew-11 astronauts are winding down their last 24 hours aboard the International Space Station. Tomorrow (Jan. 14) at around 3:30 p.m. EST (2030 GMT), NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japan's Kimiya Yui will close the hatch on their SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour and prepare to undock from the ISS.

As they pack and prepare, each are savoring their last views of Earth from space, like this one from Yui posted on X, featuring Japan's HTV-X cargo vehicle docked with the Earth-facing port of the station's Harmony module.

"The time I have left in space is also running out," a translation of Yui's post reads. "Today, my hero 'HTV-X'-kun guided me through the night sky of Earth & space."

Josh Dinner

Crew-11 astronauts are 'go' for Jan. 14 medical evacuation from ISS

The four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) are officially "go" to return to Earth on Wednesday (Jan. 14).

Mission managers gave the go-ahead for undocking today (Jan. 13), NASA officials announced in an update. NASA's Zena Cardman will command Crew-11's SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, while fellow agency astronaut Mike Fincke will serve as pilot. The other two crewmembers, Japan's Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, are mission specialists.

Crew-11 arrived at the ISS in early August and was supposed to remain there until mid-February. However, a medical issue arose last week with one of the four crewmembers — NASA has not announced which one, citing privacy concerns — prompting the first-ever medical evacuation from the orbiting lab.

Undocking is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. EST (2205 GMT) on Wednesday, with splashdown expected less than 11 hours later. And it looks like Mother Nature will cooperate with this plan.

"Weather is looking excellent for Dragon’s parachute-assisted splashdown off the coast of California at 3:41 a.m. [EST] on Thursday," NASA officials wrote in the update.

Mike Wall

Crew-11 astronauts to depart ISS today

Good morning. Undocking day has come for NASA's four Crew-11 astronauts as they prepare for their unprecedented medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

The Crew-11 astronauts -- NASA's Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, along with Kimiya Yui of Japan and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov -- will depart the ISS today aboard their SpaceX Dragon capsule Endeavour. Undocking is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. EST (2305 GMT), with hatches between Dragon and the ISS to be closed around 3:30 p.m. EST (2030 GMT). A NASA livestream will begin at 3 p.m. EST (2030 GMT).

You can see the full livestream schedule in our full story by Josh Dinner:
Watch Crew-11 astronauts undock in 1st-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station today

If you're just joining us, here's a brief recap of what happened on the ISS:

Last week, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, one of the four Crew-11 astronauts suffered a medical issue that prompted NASA to end their mission about a month early and evacuate the team from the ISS. NASA is keeping the identity of the afflicted astronaut confidential for medical privacy concerns.

The issue led NASA to cancel two planned spacewalks for Crew-11 astronauts Zena Cardman and MIke Fincke, with NASA chief Jared Isaacman announcing the medical evacuation plan on Jan 8. The Crew-11 astronauts arrived at the ISS in August 2025 and still had at least a month left of their mission.

The departure of Crew-11 will leave the ISS with a skeleton crew of three people -- Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchov, Sergey Kud-Sverchov and NASA astronaut Chris Williams - who arrived at the ISS in November.

After undocking, the Crew-11 astronauts will spend about 11 hours in orbit before their planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the Southern California coast at about 3:40 a.m. EST (0840 GMT).

Tariq Malik

JAXA's Crew-11 astronaut says photo farewells to space

As the four astronauts of NASA's Crew-11 mission prepare to leave the ISS for their medical evacuation today, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, a mission specialist, is sharing a series of photo and video farewells to the orbiting lab.

Yui and Crew-11 astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke and Oleg Platonov will undock their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from the International Space Station today at 5:05 p.m. EST (2305 GMT) for a planned splashdown early tomorrow at 3:40 a.m. EST (0840 GMT).

"The day has finally arrived for our departure to Earth," Yui wrote in one social media post. "I haven't had a chance to photograph daytime Japan recently, but at the very last moment, we passed over the Pacific side of Japan. Mount Fuji bid us farewell, adorned with a touch of crimson makeup from the setting sun. This is my final glimpse of Mount Fuji from space and daytime Japan! Thank you for the magnificent view!"

In other, he marveled at the awesome site of the Andromeda Galaxy from space.

"While gazing at the light from when the history of the genus Homo began, I thought about humanity 2.5 million years from now. If we can act while considering the next generations, it will surely become an unimaginably wonderful era!" he wrote.

Yui managed to share one final timelapse video of Earth from space, but promised to share more after Crew-11 returns to Earth.

"Please enjoy this packed nightscape full of highlights like the aurora, North America, moonrise, Central America, South America, the Milky Way, swarming satellites, sunrise, and more! he wrote. "Even after returning to Earth, I'll post the videos and photos I couldn't cover."

And finally, he bid one final photo farewell to Japan's Kibo laboratory on the ISS, the largest module on the space station.

"After this, I'll be busy with preparations for returning, so this will be my last post from space. I've also said goodbye to "Kibo"-kun.," he wrote. "The days I worked here were, I think, the most shining moments in my life. I am truly grateful to everyone for all the support you gave me."

How to watch NASA's Crew-11 undocking from the ISS

With NASA's Crew-11 astronauts on track to depart the International Space Station in the next few hours, here is a guide on how you'll be able to watch the events unfold throughout the afternoon and overnight.

What time is SpaceX Crew-11's medical evacuation from the ISS?

Hatch Closure - Livestream @ 3 pm ET

The first major event will be the closure of hatches between the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft returning the Crew-11 astronauts to Earth and the ISS. NASA's livestream for the event will begin at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT), with hatch closure itself scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST (2030 GMT).

The hatch closure livestream could be a rather straightforward affair, with live video showing views of the astronauts entering the Dragon capsule, shutting the hatch and reporting down to Mission Control. In the past, some ISS crews have had a brief farewell message before entering their spacecraft, trading hugs and handshakes with the crewmates remaining behind on the station.

Undocking - Livestream begins @ 4:45 pm ET

The next major event is undocking itself.

The Crew-11 Dragon capsule is scheduled to depart the ISS at 5:05 p.m. EST (2205 GMT), with NASA's livestream beginning at about 4:45 p.m. EST (2145 GMT).

During undocking, you can expect to see live video of the Dragon spacecraft separating from the International Space Station, views inside the spacecraft of the astronauts in their SpaceX pressure suits and views of the ISS from the Dragon capsule.

NASA typically shows live views of the event through a departure burn by the Dragon capsule that puts it on a path back to Earth.

Splashdown - livestream begins at 2:15 a.m. ET

The Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to splashdown about 11 hours after undocking, with a NASA livestream beginning on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 2:15 a.m. EST (0715 GMT). Splashdown itself is expected to occur at 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT).

Because splashdown is occuring at night, it may be difficult to see the spacecraft actually splash down in the Pacific Ocean. NASA's livestream will begin near the time of a deorbit burn, which will place the Dragon capsule on course for splashdown.

NASA recovery teams and aircraft will track the spacecraft's reentry and the live video may show infrared views of that reentry and the capsule under its parachutes ahead of splashdown.

Typically, NASA and SpaceX aim to recover the capsule and help the crew out of a Dragon capsule within about an hour of splashdown.

Post splashdown press conference - livestream @ 5:45 a.m.

NASA will end its splashdown operations with a post-landing press conference, where officials - possibly even NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman - will discuss the results of the landing and the current state of the crew.

That crew status is of specific interest for Crew-11 because the astronauts' return to Earth is coming at least a month or so earlier than planned as a "controlled medical evacuation" from the ISS due to an unspecified medical issue with one of the four astronauts. NASA will not specify the nature of that medical issue or which astronaut is experiencing it due to medical privacy concerns.

Tariq Malik

NASA webcast of Crew-11 hatch closure begins

NASA's livestream of the Crew-11 astronauts on the International Space Station has begun as the crew prepares to enter their Dragon spacecraft and close the hatches between the two spacecraft. You can watch it live at the top of this page, as well as on Space.com and our YouTube Channel.

NASA spokesman Rob Navias said during live commentary that the crew is running a bit behind schedule so far, so the hatch closure timing and the undocking it self may occur later than planned.

"We do believe we'll be able to undock within the one-hour window," Navias said.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 astronauts 'feeling great' ahead of ISS departure

NASA spokesperson Rob Navias reports that the four Crew-11 astronauts departing the International Space Station today are "feeling great" and "ready to come home" for their earlier -than-planned undocking from the station following NASA's call for a "controlled medical evacuation" last week.

The astronauts are stowing some final items inside their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour. Some are suited up in their SpaceX pressure suits ahead of hatch closure and undocking, Navias said.

Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman and pilot Mike Fincke are two of the astronauts in their suits already. Live camera views shows them in their Dragon seats and running through departure checklists.

All Crew-11 astronauts suited for undocking

All four astronauts are now wearing their SpaceX pressure suits as hatch closure activities continue.

In live video, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov can be seen in their suits woring on tasks, but not yet in their seats.

Tariq Malik

Hatches closed between ISS and Crew-11 Dragon

NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, commander of Crew-11, reports the hatches are now closed between their spacecraft and the International Space Station.

"Dragon hatch is closed," Cardman said to Mission Control and SpaceX's flight control team in Hawthorne, California.

"SpaceX copies, hatch is closed," flight controller said.

The hatch door on Dragon was closed at 3:29 p.m. EST (2029 GMT), NASA's Rob Navias said.

"So, the first step on the road home for Crew-11 now complete," Navias said.

New undocking time for Crew-11 at ISS

NASA and SpaceX have set a new undocking time after the Crew-11 and ISS astronauts fell a bit behind schedule. The two spacecraft will now undock at 5:20 p.m. EST (2220 GMT), about 15 minutes later than initially planned.

"We caught up some of our time," NASA spacecraft communicator Matt Dunne told the Crew-11 astronauts from Mission Control in Houston.

The command for undocking will be given at 5:15 p.m. EST (2015 GMT), and it will take about five minutes fo the two spacecraft to physically separate, NASA's Rob Navias said.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 astronauts to perform suit leak checks

With hatch closure now complete, the four Crew-11 astronauts are preparing to pressurize their SpaceX pressure suits for a series of leak checks to ensure they are ready for undocking.

"Initiate suit leak check," SpaceX's flight control lead radioed the crew.

The four astronauts will pressurize their black and white pressure suits, check them for leaks, and if they are airtight as expected, flight controller will give the astronauts a go for final undocking.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 suit leak checks complete, comm checks underway

SpaceX reports all suit checks are complete for the four Crew-11 astroanuts on the Dragon spacecraft Endeavour.

A series of Dragon-to-ground communications checks are underway for each of the astronauts and should be complete shortly.

Tariq Malik

NASA livestream for Crew-11 undocking resumes @ 4:45 pm ET

NASA has paused its live coverage of the Crew-11 undocking operations after a successful hatch closure at the International Space Station.

The next milestone will be undocking itself, which is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. EST (2220 GMT).

NASA's undocking webcast will resume at 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) and you'll be able to watch it live at the top of this page.

Here's a full replay of the hatch closure operations by the Crew-11 astronauts, including live views of commander Zena Cardman and pilot Mike Fincke inside the Dragon capsule amid final checks. Hatches were closed at 3:29 pm EST (2029 GMT), with a successful set of spacesuit leak checks and communications checks with the astronauts.

We'll be back at 4:45 pm ET with NASA's undocking livestream.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 begins 1st-ever ISS medical evacuation with hatch closure - YouTube

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Tariq Malik

NASA livestream for Crew-11 undocking begins

NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 undocks from space station in 1st-ever medical evacuation - YouTube

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NASA's live undocking webcast for today's Crew-11 medical evacuation of the International Space Station has begun.

The livestream, which you can see at the top of this page, will cover the planned 5:20 p.m. EST (2220 GMT) undocking of the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft carrying four astronauts on NASA's Crew-11 mission to begin an 11-hour journey back to Earth.

The undocking was originally scheduled for 5:05 p.m. EST, but was delayed slightly due to delays leading up to the hatch closure between the Dragon and ISS.

Inside the Dragon spacecraft, Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke, and mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonov of Russia are suited up in thir SpaceX pressure suits ahead of today's planned undocking.
Splashdown remains set for about 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT) on Thursday morning, Jan. 15, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California.

Crew-11 Dragon undocks from the International Space Station

The Crew-11 mission's Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) today (Jan. 14) at 5:20 p.m. EST (2220 GMT).

Endeavour is carrying NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov back down to Earth. If all goes to plan, the quartet will splash down off the California coast on Thursday (Jan. 15) at 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT).

Their return is happening about a month ahead of schedule; NASA decided to end Crew-11 early to deal with a medical issue experienced by one of the astronauts on orbit. The agency has not revealed the identity of the astronaut or the nature of the issue.

Mike Wall

Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft backing away from ISS

SpaceX's Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft Endeavour is slowing pulling away from the International Space Station after a successful undocking at 5:20 p.m. EST (2220 GMT) for today's Crew-11 medical evacuation.

The spacecraft has already backed far enough away that it has exited a so-called "keep-out sphere," a safety zone around the ISS and is continuing away to leave another larger zone called the "approach ellipsoid," an area around the space station in which joint rendzvous and departure operations are performed.

You can follow SpaceX's Dragon flight via NASA's livestream on this page, as well as the Dragon flight tracker on SpaceX's website here.

Here is a replay of the undocking from minutes ago.

Tariq Malik

NASA Crew-11 splashdown livestream resumes at 2:15 am ET

NASA's four Crew-11 astronauts have begun their hourslong journey back to Earth after today's successful undocking from the International Space Station, but the agency has paused its live broadcast of the first-ever medical evacuation in space for now.

Crew-11 astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov will spend about 10.5 hours orbiting Earth before beginning their splashdown run.

NASA's livestream will return at 2:15 a.m. EST (0715 GMT) ahead of a deorbit burn manuever that will place the astronauts on track for a planned 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT) splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California.

Our live coverage will now pause for a few hours. We will resume live updates once NASA's coverage resumes. You will be able to watch the splashdown live on this page.

Tariq Malik

NASA begins SpaceX Crew-11 landing coverage, polls 'go' for splashdown

NASA's Crew-11 astronauts have begun their reentry procedures to splashdown today after successfully undocking from the International Space Station. SpaceX has begun its live broadcast of the first-ever medical evacuation in space.

Crew-11 astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov are expected to splashdown at 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT) in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego off the coast of Southern California after a deorbit burn maneuver scheduled for about an hour earlier.

We will continue live updates throughout NASA's and SpaceX's coverage today. Watch the splashdown live on Space.com.

Brett Tingley

Crew-11 Dragon starts deorbit engine burn

Crew-11's Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, began its deorbit burn on schedule today (Jan. 15) at 2:51 a.m. EST (0751 GMT). The 13.5-minute-long burn will set Endeavour up for its splashdown, which is expected to take place off the coast of San Diego at 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT).

Mike Wall

Crew-11 Dragon ends deorbit engine burn

The Crew-11 Dragon capsule, called Endeavour, completed its 13.5-minute deorbit burn today (Jan. 15) as planned, shutting its engines off at 3:04 a.m. EST (0804 GMT). The maneuver put the spacecraft on target to splash down off the California coast, which is expected to take place at 3:41 a.m. EST (0841 GMT).

Mike Wall

SpaceX anticipates 'pristine' weather for Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft splashdown

NASA's Crew-11 astronauts can expect great conditions at their planned splashdown location.

"We have a nominal vehicle status. We're tracking an on target arrival to San Diego with pristine weather conditions for splashdown. Recovery Team is on site and ready to support," mission controller reported during SpaceX's livestream today.

Watch the splashdown live on Space.com as we provide live updates throughout reentry and splashdown.

Brett Tingley

SpaceX Crew-11 spacecraft enters communication blackout during reentry

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA's Crew-11 astronauts has entered an expected period of communication blackout as it enters Earth's atmosphere today.

Communications between the Crew-11 spacecraft and Earth will be blocked for about seven minutes as the heat and friction of reentry create plasma around the craft, blocking communications.

"Plasma is beginning to build up on the exterior of the capsule, as we expect. This happens with every spacecraft reentry for Dragon," SpaceX commentator Kate Tice said during the company's livestream. "During this time, no vehicle telemetry is received by Mission Control or the recovery team, and no external commanding of the vehicle or voice communication is possible."

Watch the splashdown live on Space.com as we provide live updates throughout reentry and splashdown.

Brett Tingley

SpaceX Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft seen from the ground during reentry

NASA's Crew-11 mission astronauts have reentered Earth's atmosphere during the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

Ground crews have re-established communications with the spacecraft, which remains on a nominal trajectory.

Watch the splashdown live on Space.com as we provide live updates throughout reentry and splashdown.

Brett Tingley

SpaceX Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft deploys parachutes after reentry

NASA's Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft has successfully deployed its parachutes just minutes ahead of landing in the Pacific Ocean.

Watch the splashdown live on Space.com as we provide live updates throughout reentry and splashdown.

Brett Tingley

Splashdown! SpaceX Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft lands in 1st-ever medical evacuation

SpaceX's Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft has successfully landed in the Pacific Ocean to end NASA's first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

"Splashdown of Crew-11 after 167 days in space. Dragon and NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui of JAXA and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov are back on Earth," SpaceX commentators announced.

Watch the recovery live on Space.com as we provide live updates.

Brett Tingley

SpaceX begins recovery operations of Crew-11 astronauts

SpaceX has begun recovery operations of the NASA Crew-11 Endeavour spacecraft and the four astronauts inside.

"We're now going to follow the final part of the crew's journey as the Dragon spacecraft is lifted out of the water and placed on the recovery boat," SpaceX's Kate Tice said during today's livestream.

Watch the recovery live on Space.com as we provide live updates.

Brett Tingley

SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts safely aboard recovery vessel

SpaceX has recovered the four astronauts of the Crew-11 mission following NASA's first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

The Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft is safely aboard SpaceX's recovery vessel Shannon. The four crewmembers will egress the capsule shortly.

Watch the recovery live on Space.com as we provide live updates.

Brett Tingley

SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts leave spacecraft after 1st-ever medical evacuation

The four astronauts of the SpaceX Crew-11 mission have exited their Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft following successful reentry and NASA's first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

SpaceX recovery personnel opened the hatch at 4:19 a.m. ET (0919 GMT) on Jan. 15, 2026 to end the Crew-11 mission after 167 days, 165 of which were spent on the ISS. The astronauts were then helped onto a gurney and taken for a routine medical check.

"Standard procedure for any returns on Dragon, as well as any of our crewmembers returning," SpaceX commentators said during the company's livestream today.

Watch the recovery live on Space.com as we continue to provide live updates.

Brett Tingley

'They are home.' SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts safely back on Earth after 1st-ever medical evacuation

SpaceX has ended it's live coverage of the reentry, splashdown and recovery of the the NASA Crew-11 mission. The mission was cut short in what was NASA's first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

"Great news for Crew-11. They are home," SpaceX's Kate Tice said during the company's livestream. After initial medical checkouts on SpaceX's recovery ship Shannon, the crew will be flown to a local hospital for a more thorough evaluation before being flown to Houston to be reunited with their families.

Read our coverage of the Crew-11 reentry and splashdown for more.

Brett Tingley

Crew-11 astronauts in good health after splashdown

NASA is holding a post-splashdown press conference after today's predawn splashdown of four Crew-11 astronauts off the coast of San Diego, California to end the first-ever medical evacuation of the International Space Station. You can watch that at the top of this page, and on YouTube.

"The crew member of concern is doing fine," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said during the briefing.

Joel Montalbano, NASA's ISS program manager, said the astronauts are being taken to a hospital in San Diego and will remain there for the next day for post splashdown medical checks. On Friday, the four will then fly to Houston, Texas, bringing Crew-11 commander Zena Cardman and pilot Mike Fincke home. Mission specialists Kimiya Yui of Japan and Oleg Platonov of Russia will then head back to their home countries and space agencies.

Tariq Malik

Crew-11 astronauts headed to hospital for medical checks

The four Crew-11 astronauts are in good spirits after their successul splashdown and will return to Houston after a day's stay at a San Diego hospital in California, NASA officials said.

Joel Montalbano, of NASA said in a press conference that NASA flight surgeons will work along side medical experts at a San Diego hospital and use their equipment during the post splashdown medical checks, as well as the early treatment for the astronaut of concern.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said that while Crew-11's early return was a medical evacuation, the fact that NASA took a week to plan the return out showed that the situation was stable and not an urgent emergency.

Here is a replay of the NASA press conference:

NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 Post-Splashdown News Conference (Jan. 15, 2026) - YouTube

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NASA and SpaceX have the ability to return astronauts to Earth in a matter of hours, with an agreement in place with the U.S. military to reach a Dragon capsule anywhere on Earth within 24 hours, Montalbano said, adding that the Dragon capsule itself can loiter in orbit for up to five days after leaving the ISS.

"This was NASA at its finest," Isaacman added.

NASA will now turn its attention to the planned launch of Crew-11's replacement team, Crew-12, which is currently scheduled to lift off no earlier than Feb. 15. Before then, NASA hopes to launch four astronauts around the moon on the Artemis 2 mission.

With NASA's press conferenc now concluded, this will end our live coverage of the Crew-11 astronaut's return to Earth for the day. The Crew-11 astronauts are expected to return to Houston on Friday, and will hold their own post landing press conference in the days ahead.

Thanks for tuning in and we'll see you on the next mission.

Tariq Malik