ISS Crew Returns Early After First Medical Evacuation

Just under 11 hours after the astronauts left the International Space Station, SpaceX guided the capsule to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.

A SpaceX capsule carrying four International Space Station (ISS) crew members safely returned to Earth early Wednesday, marking the first time a mission has been cut short due to a medical emergency in orbit.

The capsule, named Endeavour, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California after a controlled descent assisted by multiple parachutes. Live footage showed the spacecraft slowing steadily before making a gentle landing on the water.

The early return came weeks ahead of schedule after health concerns involving one of the astronauts prompted NASA to end the mission prematurely. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure immediate medical care on the ground.

Commander Zena Cardman was joined on the return flight by US astronaut Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Speaking shortly after landing, Cardman said it was “good to be home.”

Less than an hour after splashdown, recovery teams helped the astronauts out of the capsule, where they were greeted with applause from support crews aboard the recovery vessel.

NASA officials said the medical issue was serious but declined to identify the affected crew member or disclose further details, citing privacy reasons. They confirmed the condition was not caused by an injury sustained during space station operations.

The four astronauts had arrived at the ISS together in August and spent 167 days conducting scientific research and maintenance work aboard the orbiting laboratory before their early return.