NASA's SpaceX Dragon capsule will undock from the International Space Station and return four astronauts to Earth on Thursday morning, following a medical emergency. This marks the first medical evacuation from the ISS in its 25-year history, highlighting the challenges of healthcare in space. The affected astronaut's identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons.
The Crew-11 mission, including commander Zena Cardman, pilot Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov, is set to depart the station at approximately 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 14, weather and recovery conditions permitting. The spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California at around 12:40 a.m. PT / 3:40 a.m. ET on Thursday, January 15.
Live coverage of the hatch closing and departure will begin at noon PT / 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday. NASA will resume coverage of the return journey at 11:15 p.m. PT Wednesday / 2:15 a.m. ET Thursday, followed by a news briefing a few hours later.
A serious medical issue was experienced by one crew member, necessitating a full diagnostic workup upon their return to Earth. The astronaut is stable, according to officials. This 'controlled expedited return' follows standard landing rules and approved splashdown zones, not constituting an emergency deorbit.
The Dragon spacecraft carrying Crew-11 is scheduled to depart the ISS on January 14, 2026. After the Dragon's departure, American astronaut Chris Williams, who arrived on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November, will be the sole U.S. crew member aboard the station, supported by Russian colleagues until the Crew-12 mission launches, potentially in mid-February.
