NASA Brings Crew-11 Astronauts Back to Earth After Medical Concern

Four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule safely returned to Earth early Thursday. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after leaving the International Space Station (ISS) a day earlier. NASA approved the early return to allow doctors to examine a medical issue affecting one crew member.

The astronauts undocked from the ISS at 5:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Their journey back to Earth lasted about 10 hours. The capsule landed off the coast of San Diego at 3:40 a.m. ET. Recovery teams secured the spacecraft quickly, and dolphins were seen swimming nearby.

After recovery crews lifted the capsule onto a ship, the astronauts prepared to exit. They breathed fresh air for the first time in nearly five months.

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NASA Acts After Medical Issue

NASA canceled a planned spacewalk last week due to the medical concern. The agency did not name the affected astronaut or share details about the condition. Officials said the astronaut remains stable and needed no special support during the return.

NASA’s chief medical officer, Dr. James Polk, said the issue did not result from mission duties. He explained that long stays in microgravity can cause health problems. While the ISS has medical tools, it lacks full hospital equipment. NASA chose to bring the astronaut home for better testing.

Reentry Challenges and ISS Staffing

Reentry placed heavy stress on the astronauts. The capsule reached speeds over 22 times the speed of sound. Heat levels outside the spacecraft exceeded 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit. A short communication blackout occurred during descent. Astronauts also experienced strong g-forces.

After landing, crew members exited the capsule using stretchers or rolling chairs. This practice is normal after long space missions. Doctors will now conduct further medical tests on the affected astronaut.

The early return leaves three astronauts aboard the ISS. NASA astronaut Chris Williams remains on station with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. They will continue operations until the next crew arrives.