NASA Reveals Identity of Astronaut Who Suffered Medical Incident Aboard ISS
Source: Slashdot
Incident Overview
NASA revealed that astronaut Mike Fincke was the crew member who suffered a medical incident aboard the International Space Station in January, prompting the agency to carry out the first evacuation due to a medical issue in the station’s 25‑year history. The decision to cut the mission short and bring Fincke and three other crew members home early made for a dramatic week in space early this year.
Background
- The incident occurred on Jan. 7 and required immediate attention from the station crew.
- It led to the first medical‑evacuation splash‑down of astronauts from the ISS.
- Fincke’s fellow Crew‑11 members—NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud‑Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev—remained on the station.
Statement from Mike Fincke
“I experienced a medical event on Jan. 7 that required immediate attention from my space station crew members. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized.” – Mike Fincke, 58
Fincke thanked:
- His Crew‑11 colleagues (Williams, Kud‑Sverchkov, Mikaev)
- The teams at NASA, SpaceX, and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla for their professionalism and dedication.
Aftermath
Fincke reported that he is “doing very well” and is actively involved in standard post‑flight reconditioning at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He reflected on the experience:
“Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. Thank you for all your support.”