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Crew-11 Astronauts Returning to Earth Early Due to Medical Issue

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Four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule are on their way back to Earth after a medical issue prompted an early departure from the International Space Station (ISS). The crew left the ISS at 5:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday and is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean around 3:40 a.m. ET on Thursday. NASA made the decision to return the crew after canceling a planned spacewalk due to the medical concern, which remains undisclosed but is said to be stable. The return journey, while routine, poses physical challenges due to the g-forces and high speeds involved in reentry. Recovery ships will be on standby to assist the astronauts once they land.

Key Details: • Splashdown expected around 3:40 a.m. ET Thursday in the Pacific Ocean. • NASA canceled a planned spacewalk due to a medical issue with one crew member. • Recovery ships will be present to assist astronauts post-splashdown.

nasa spacex international-space-station medical-issue crew-11

People & Organizations

Pacific OceanNASAMike FinckeZena CardmanInternational Space StationKimiya YuiOleg PlatonovJapan Aerospace Exploration AgencyRoscosmosDr. James Polk

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