NASA astronaut Mike Fincke said he was the reason why Crew-11 had to return quickly from the International Space Station due to an undisclosed health condition, CNN reported. Although he didn’t elaborate on what the problem was, it sounded serious and required help from his colleagues to stabilize his condition before NASA ultimately decided to bring him home for further imaging and care.
Speculation is rampant about the extraordinary medical reasons behind NASA bringing an astronaut home from the International Space Station weeks early. Everything from cardiovascular problems to changes in brain fluid has been raised. While we haven’t yet learned what the final reason for the return was, we can at least rule out the possibility that Mr. Fink was pregnant.
“I experienced a medical event that required the immediate attention of my incredible crew,” Fink said in a statement Wednesday. “Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my condition was quickly stabilized.”
Mike Fincke and other astronauts aboard Crew-11.
Fink was one of four astronauts on Crew-11. Image source: NASA
NASA later called for him and the rest of the crew to be brought back to Earth to take advantage of “advanced medical imaging technology not available on the space station.” Although the International Space Station is equipped with a wealth of medical technology that can help keep astronauts alive for long periods of time while dealing with the dangers of space travel, it was reportedly not enough to deal with the pain Fink suffered.
After safely returning, Fink is still recovering in space and does not appear to require any extreme medical intervention other than what may have occurred.
“I’m doing great and am continuing my standard post-flight recovery at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Space flight is an incredible privilege and sometimes it reminds us how human we are,” Fink said. “Thank you everyone for your support.”
Fink was a member of the famous Crew-11 launch to the International Space Station, a mission scheduled to return to Earth in late February. However, NASA canceled the planned spacewalk after news of an unexpected medical situation aboard the International Space Station. The matter has been kept secret, and after several days of discussion and deliberation, NASA chose to send the crew home early. Only three astronauts remained on the International Space Station before the Crew-12 mission arrived in mid-February, bringing the number of astronauts back to the usual seven.
