NASA considers early return of ISS crew

NASA is considering the early return of the four-member Crew-11 mission crew from the International Space Station (ISS) after one of the astronauts faced unspecified health problems.

The agency has canceled the planned spacewalk and, according to statements, is prioritizing the safety of all mission participants. The affected astronaut is stable, but his name has not yet been released.

Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were originally scheduled to undergo a demanding 6.5-hour spacewalk to install hardware outside the station. Crew-11, consisting of two Americans, a Japanese, and a Russian, arrived at the ISS in August, with their return scheduled for May.

NASA does not usually disclose the health complications of astronauts and considers these cases to be strictly confidential.

Missions have had to be canceled before due to various health issues, neurological problems, or problems with spacesuits.

The agency is currently evaluating all possible scenarios for further action.

(reuters, pir)