NASA astronaut who had medical problem in space breaks silence
Mashable
February 26, 2026
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NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, a veteran of four spaceflights, recently broke his silence about experiencing a medical issue while on board the International Space Station (ISS). The incident occurred on January 7, just one day before he was scheduled to perform a spacewalk. Fincke described himself as "doing very well" following the event, which required immediate attention from his crewmates and led to an early return to Earth on January 15—a first for NASA in its 25 years of continuous ISS operations.
Fincke, 58, was part of the four-member SpaceX Crew-11 mission. He had accumulated extensive experience in space, including nine spacewalks totaling nearly 49 hours and serving as commander during Expedition 74. Following the medical event, NASA cited privacy concerns when initially declining to identify the astronaut but later confirmed it was Fincke. The evacuation highlighted the limitations of providing advanced healthcare 250 miles above Earth, with Fincke requiring specialized medical imaging unavailable on the ISS.
The incident also underscored the importance of preparedness for unforeseen health issues in space. While astronauts have historically managed minor health concerns using telemedicine and onboard kits, this case marked a significant step by involving a controlled medical evacuation to ensure proper treatment. Upon return, Fincke received care at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he underwent necessary tests.
Astronauts on the ISS typically handle common issues like headaches or infections with limited resources, but more complex health problems require careful planning and sometimes expedited returns. The evacuation of Crew-11 serves as a reminder of the
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/26/2026