NASA Astronaut Confirms Medical Issue Behind Early ISS Return

Veteran astronaut Mike Fincke has confirmed he was the crew member who suffered a medical issue that forced NASA to end an International Space Station mission early last month, according to CNN.

Fincke and three crewmates returned to Earth in mid-January, leaving a reduced crew aboard the ISS. The decision marked the first time NASA cut short a station mission for health reasons.

NASA is sharing the following information at the request of NASA astronaut Mike Fincke: pic.twitter.com/J3UsExd94H

— NASA (@NASA) February 25, 2026

Fincke said he experienced a medical event that required immediate attention, but stressed that his condition stabilized quickly with help from fellow astronauts and NASA flight surgeons.

NASA opted to bring the crew home to access advanced medical imaging unavailable on the station. The agency did not disclose details of Fincke’s condition, citing long-standing privacy rules.

NASA canceled a planned spacewalk and accelerated the next crew rotation to restore normal staffing levels. Fincke said he is recovering well and undergoing standard post-flight rehabilitation in Houston.

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