This is the first case of this type of emergency retrieval of astronauts from the ISS in the station's over 25-year history, Reuters emphasized.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said at a news conference in Washington that medical officials decided to return the astronaut because of the inability to provide proper diagnosis and treatment on the ISS.
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Why does an astronaut return to Earth?
How many astronauts return prematurely?
When were astronauts originally supposed to return to Earth?
What health problems did the astronaut have?
NASA did not reveal which members of the Crew-11 mission had health problems and did not specify what those problems were, citing privacy concerns. The agency's chief health officer, James D. Polk, said it was not an on-the-job injury.
Sudden change of plans
On Wednesday afternoon, NASA canceled the departure into space of two American astronauts scheduled for Thursday, explaining it by concerns about medical issues.
The mission crew consists of four people: two Americans, one Japanese and one Russian. They have been on the ISS since August 2025 and were scheduled to return to Earth in May this year.
Reuters noted that NASA closely guards information on medical issues related to the ISS, and astronauts rarely talk publicly about their health problems. Going into space is a demanding and risky mission that requires months of training.
Three other astronauts are currently on the ISS and are expected to stay there until the summer, the AP reported.
