SpaceX Crew-11, consisting of NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Long Beach, California, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, concluding their mission to the International Space Station (ISS) earlier than initially planned. The crew spent 167 days in space, completing over 140 experiments and traveling approximately 71 million miles around Earth.

NASA officials confirmed the early return was prompted by a medical concern affecting one of the crew members. While the agency has not disclosed the specific nature of the medical issue, they stated that the affected astronaut is currently stable and receiving appropriate medical care. "The safety and well-being of our astronauts are always our top priority," said Dr. Ellen Ochoa, director of the Johnson Space Center, in a released statement. "The decision to bring Crew-11 home early was made after careful consultation with our medical team and in the best interest of the crew member's health."

Medical evacuations from space are rare, but protocols are in place to address such contingencies. According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent, "NASA has a comprehensive medical support system for astronauts, both on the ground and in space. This includes advanced diagnostic tools on the ISS and a team of flight surgeons who are constantly monitoring the crew's health." He added that the decision to evacuate is typically made when the medical condition cannot be adequately treated on the ISS or poses a significant risk to the astronaut's long-term health.

The mission, despite its early conclusion, is considered a success. Crew-11 conducted a wide range of experiments in microgravity, including research on plant growth, fluid dynamics, and the effects of spaceflight on the human body. These experiments are expected to provide valuable insights for future long-duration space missions, including those to the Moon and Mars. "The data collected during Crew-11's time on the ISS will contribute significantly to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities of space exploration," stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a press conference.

The affected astronaut is currently undergoing further medical evaluation. NASA has indicated that they will release more information about the astronaut's condition as it becomes available, while respecting the individual's privacy. The remaining crew members are undergoing standard post-flight medical checks and debriefing. The SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft is being transported back to SpaceX facilities for inspection and refurbishment. NASA is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the medical event to inform future mission planning and medical protocols.