NASA has announced an unprecedented decision to end the Crew-11 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) early after one astronaut developed a medical issue. The four-person Crew-11, which arrived at the ISS on August 2, 2025, will return to Earth ahead of schedule, a move NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman called “in the best interest of our astronauts.”
The agency hasn’t disclosed which crew member is affected or the nature of the condition, citing strict medical privacy policies. The astronaut’s condition is reportedly stable, and NASA emphasized that the issue was not caused by any operational aspect of life on the ISS or by preparations for the recently canceled spacewalk. “The capability to diagnose and treat this properly does not live on the International Space Station,” said Isaacman during a press conference on Thursday, adding that the decision was made after consultation with Chief Health and Medical Officer, Dr. JD Polk.
First Medical Early Return in U.S. Space History
This early return marks the first time in U.S. space history that a mission has been cut short due to a medical situation. Crew-11 includes NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. They were originally scheduled to stay on the ISS until May 2026, completing a standard six-month rotation.
Four of the seven astronauts currently aboard the ISS—Fincke, Cardman, Yui, and Platonov—will return home using the docked SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The remaining three astronauts (two Russians and one American) will stay aboard the ISS until the next crew arrives. The Crew-12 mission, which will bring the next group of astronauts to the station, is scheduled to launch as early as February 15.
ISS Operations Continue Despite Crew Change
NASA officials have stated that the early return is not considered an emergency, but rather a precaution. “We’re erring on the side of caution,” said Isaacman. The affected astronaut is not believed to be in immediate danger, and the agency expects to provide an update on the undock and re-entry timeline within the next 48 hours.
The abrupt change has halted planned activities, including a six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk by Fincke and Cardman to install a modification kit for a future solar array. Despite the disruption, ISS operations will continue with the remaining crew and support from ground teams as they await the arrival of Crew-12.
