NASA Astronauts Begin First-Ever Medical Evacuation of Space Station

Four astronauts aboard the International Space Station are making an unprecedented move. NASA's Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman , as well as Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov , are heading back to Earth about a month earlier than expected due to a medical issue involving one of the crew members. This will be the first-ever medical evacuation in the 25-year history of the ISS. "Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member," the agency shared in a Jan. 13 press release , noting that the astronaut's condition is "stable." The four-person team-initially launched into space in August as NASA's SpaceX Crew-11-is scheduled to splash down off the California coast during the early morning hours of Jan. 15. "This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists," Fincke shared on social media Jan. 11 . "It’s the right call, even if it’s a bit bittersweet." He continued, "It has been a privilege to serve aboard the International Space Station-an extraordinary orbiting laboratory and a symbol of what nations can achieve together. Living and working here with our international partners has been both humbling and deeply rewarding." NASA astronaut Christopher Williams will remain on the ISS with Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev of Russia amid the medical evacuation. "We’re leaving the ISS in great hands," Fincke noted. "The three crewmates who arrived in November will continue the mission, and they’ll be joined by Crew-12 in just a few weeks." He added, "We're grateful for the teamwork, proud of the mission, and looking forward to coming home soon-back to our loved ones and to resolving any medical questions with the best care available." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App

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