Summary
A SpaceX capsule, carrying four astronauts, is returning to Earth early due to a medical emergency. The spacecraft will splash down in the Pacific Ocean after a 10-and-a-half-hour descent. NASA has not disclosed details about the medical issue but emphasized crew health is a priority.
Key Facts
- A SpaceX capsule named "Endeavour" is bringing back four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS).
- The spacecraft's descent began at 22:30 GMT Wednesday and is expected to land Thursday morning off the coast of California.
- The crew includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian astronaut Oleg Platonov.
- They spent 167 days on the ISS conducting scientific research as part of SpaceX's 11th crewed mission.
- The mission ended early because of a serious medical condition affecting one crew member.
- NASA did not disclose more about the medical issue for privacy reasons but said it was the first of its kind.
- The next SpaceX Crew-12 mission is scheduled to leave in February.
- Three astronauts will stay at the ISS to continue operations.
