NASA Cancels Spacewalk as Medical Concern Affects Crew Member

NASA has cancelled a scheduled spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) due to a medical concern involving an unidentified crew member. The decision was announced late Wednesday, with the agency stating it is considering “all options,” including potentially ending Crew 11’s mission earlier than planned.

In a statement released just before midnight, NASA emphasized that the situation is stable and that they are prepared for such incidents. “These are the situations NASA and our partners train for and prepare to execute safely,” the statement noted. Further updates are expected within the next 24 hours.

The specific medical issue has not been disclosed, adhering to standard privacy protocols. NASA confirmed that the concern involves a single crew member who is currently stable. Crew 11 consists of commander Zena Cardman, veteran astronaut Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. The team launched to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon on August 1, 2023, and is scheduled to remain in space until mid-February 2024.

February 20, 2024, is currently set as the expected return date for Crew 11. Their planned spacewalk was intended to complete the assembly of a truss to support roll-out solar arrays and carry out other essential maintenance tasks. A second spacewalk, involving two yet-to-be-announced astronauts, was scheduled for the following week.

Earlier on Wednesday, NASA had indicated a medical concern arose during the afternoon. In a brief communication exchange, Yui inquired about a private medical conference with mission control in Houston. The request for a flight surgeon and a live camera view from inside the station was also made, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

“Do you have like a crew surgeon? … A flight surgeon?” Yui asked during the exchange, emphasizing the need for immediate medical assistance. Following this interaction, NASA’s live audio stream from the ISS was unexpectedly silenced, leaving many observers seeking clarity.

As NASA navigates this unexpected challenge, the agency reassures the public and the space community of its commitment to safety. The ongoing health of the crew remains the top priority, and further details regarding the situation and the rescheduling of the spacewalk will be communicated as they become available.