Following standard procedures, Fincke, the crew's captain, was the first to exit the spacecraft, appearing slightly unsteady before being placed on a gurney. Cardman, Yui, and Platonov followed, waving to cameras. "It's so good to be home!", Cardman exclaimed. The crew will undergo thorough medical evaluations before being transported back to land.

This marks the first instance of astronauts being evacuated from the ISS due to a health concern since the station's inception in 1998. While the specific nature of the medical issue remains undisclosed, Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman stated in a post-splashdown news conference that the affected astronaut is "fine right now" and in "good spirits."

Nasa's typical communication strategy regarding astronaut health suggests that the identity of the crew member and the precise medical condition will likely remain private, adhering to patient confidentiality. The incident raises questions about the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and the importance of robust medical protocols for astronauts. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with space travel and the critical need for advanced medical support systems both on the ISS and for rapid return to Earth when necessary. Further investigations will likely be conducted to determine the cause of the medical issue and to refine protocols for future missions.