NASA's Crew Returns Early from ISS, Leaving Only Three Astronauts Behind

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AI Summary
Four astronauts have departed the International Space Station (ISS) early due to a health concern affecting one of the crew members. This unprecedented decision by NASA, made by Administrator Jared Isaacman, leaves only three astronauts on board: two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut. The remaining crew will manage the station's operations, but their reduced numbers may hinder certain tasks, such as planned spacewalks. The Crew-11 mission is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean around 3:40 a.m. ET Thursday, while NASA is expediting the launch of a replacement Crew-12, originally scheduled for mid-February, to restore full staffing at the ISS.
Key Details: • Crew-11 astronauts departed ISS at 5:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday. • Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean is expected around 3:40 a.m. ET Thursday. • NASA is working to launch Crew-12 sooner than planned to replace the departing astronauts.