4 space station crewmates back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short

January 15, 2026

TL;DR

Four astronauts, Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov, returned to Earth early from the space station.
The mission was shortened due to an unspecified medical issue experienced by one crew member.
This is the first time in NASA history a spaceflight has been cut short due to a medical concern.
The crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean and underwent initial medical checks.
They will be flown to shore for further evaluation at a hospital and then proceed to Johnson Space Center for reconditioning and family reunion.
Two other crew members remain on the space station.
The next crew, Crew 12, is scheduled to launch in February, with potential for an earlier launch.
The Artemis 2 mission to the moon is also preparing for launch.

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