Four astronauts have safely returned to Earth following the first medical evacuation in the history of the International Space Station (ISS).
Crew-11 touched down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at about 01:30 local time (09:30 GMT), completing an emergency return journey that lasted nearly 11 hours.
The crew comprised NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. NASA confirmed that all four astronauts were in good condition and “in good spirits” after splashdown. They are expected to undergo routine post-mission medical evaluations following their early return.
The evacuation marks the first time astronauts have been brought back from the ISS due to a medical concern since the orbital laboratory began operations in 1998.
Commenting on the development, Dr Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, said the crew would likely feel a sense of relief after the return.
“It will be a relief and a luxury for them to sleep in their own beds again, and to enjoy simple things,” she said.
NASA is expected to provide further details during a scheduled news conference, including information on the circumstances that prompted the decision to evacuate the crew ahead of schedule.
The successful splashdown highlights the agency’s ability to carry out emergency procedures in space and underscores the preparedness of international partners to protect astronaut health, even in unprecedented situations.
