CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – NASA astronaut Mike Fincke of Crew 11 posted a ‘Bittersweet’ Farewell Message (see below) – as the 4 person astronaut team ready to bid farewell to the ISS International Space Station early due to an unexpected and serious astronaut medical illness condition that requires early return to Earth for more detailed evaluation and diagnosis on the ground with a full suite of medical gear and medications.
A spacewalk planned for Jan 8 by 2 NASA astronauts was cancelled on Jan. 7 when NASA announced a ‘serious medical issue’ with one of the Crew-11 team. The identity of the ailing astronaut has been kept secret by NASA for privacy reasons.
Crew Dragon Endeavour Undocking targeting Jan 14 around 5 PM ET with splashdown Jan 15 around 340 AM off the coast of California- weather permitting
NASA Crew-11 was launched on Aug. 1, 2025 on Crew Dragon Endeavour for a nominal 6 month science expedition aboard the ISS. They had been scheduled to return home around Feb. 20, 2026 following the arrival of the Crew-12 astronaut quartet.
Crew-11 comprises Pilot Mike Fincke (who served as ISS commander for the past month), Commander Zena Cardman, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
The early return is unprecedented. In the 25-year history of the ISS there has never before been a medical evacuation of any crew member
..
“First and foremost, we are all OK. Everyone on board is stable, safe, and well cared for. This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists. It’s the right call, even if it’s a bit bittersweet.
This photo was taken as we prepared our space suits for return—a normal, methodical step in getting ready to come home, and a reminder that this decision was made calmly and carefully, with people at the center.
What stands out most to me is how clearly NASA cares about its people. Flight surgeons, engineers, managers, and support teams came together quickly and professionally to chart the best path forward. The ground teams—across mission control centers and partner organizations around the world—have been extraordinary. We’re proud of the joint work we’ve done and the camaraderie we’ve shared, including some great songs and more than a few dad jokes.
It has been a privilege to serve aboard the International Space Station—an extraordinary orbiting laboratory and a symbol of what nations can achieve together. Living and working here with our international partners has been both humbling and deeply rewarding.
This moment also highlights the strength of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and our partnership with SpaceX. Dragon provides a safe, reliable, and flexible capability to bring us home on short notice when it’s the right thing to do.
We’re leaving the ISS in great hands. The three crewmates who arrived in November will continue the mission, and they’ll be joined by Crew-12 in just a few weeks. Explore 74!
We’re grateful for the teamwork, proud of the mission, and looking forward to coming home soon—back to our loved ones and to resolving any medical questions with the best care available. — Ad Astra per Aspera!”
Mike Fincke, NASA Crew 11 Pilot and ISS Commander, Jan 11, 2026
……………..
Ken Kremer interviews
Here is my complete live interview by FOX 35 Orlando anchor Garret Wymer that’s was recorded at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 – about the ailing crew 11 astronaut on board the International Space Station.
https://youtu.be/IPwuC-SSlqE?si=sdh98X9HAJ0SjxGR
Caption: Spacewalk canceled, Crew 11 could come home early – NASA has postponed its first ISS spacewalk of the year, citing medical concerns for one of its crew members. NASA astronauts planned two spacewalks in January to conduct repairs and upgrades to the International Space Station. Ken Kremer, managing editor of Space UpClose, spoke with FOX 35’s Garrett Wymer about the latest on Jan 8, 2026
Jan 9 at WFTV ABC News Orlando: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/nasa-finalizing-crew-11-return-013912159.html
Jan 10 Fox 35 Orlando: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/nasa-spacex-set-date-crew-11s-return-earth-what-we-know
x
