NASA Cancels Spacewalk, Evaluates Options After Medical Issue

NASA announced the cancellation of a scheduled spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) due to a “medical concern” involving a crew member. The decision was made late on Wednesday, just one day before the planned event, with the agency stating it is exploring “all options,” including potentially ending Crew 11’s mission earlier than anticipated.

In an update released shortly before midnight, NASA confirmed that the situation involves a single crew member who is currently stable. While specific details about the individual’s medical issue were not disclosed, the agency emphasized the importance of privacy in such circumstances. “These are the situations NASA and our partners train for and prepare to execute safely,” the statement read. Further updates are expected within the next 24 hours.

Crew 11, which is comprised of commander Zena Cardman, veteran astronaut Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, launched to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on August 1, 2023. The team was initially slated to remain in orbit until their replacements arrived in mid-February 2024, with their return to Earth planned for approximately February 20, 2024.

The spacewalk was intended to complete the construction of a truss that would support new solar arrays, as well as to perform other maintenance tasks. Another spacewalk, involving two yet-to-be-announced astronauts, was scheduled for the following week. NASA’s decision to cancel the first spacewalk came after monitoring a medical concern that arose on Wednesday afternoon.

During a space-to-ground communication at around 14:30 EST, Yui requested a private medical conference, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Mission control in Houston confirmed that a private radio channel would be established for the discussion. Yui also inquired about the availability of a flight surgeon and whether there was a live camera feed available from inside the station.

As a precautionary measure, NASA’s audio stream from the ISS, which typically broadcasts live around the clock on platforms such as YouTube, went silent without explanation later on Wednesday. The agency’s focus remains on the health and safety of the crew, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken in response to the medical concern.

NASA is committed to providing additional information, including a new date for the upcoming spacewalk, as soon as it becomes available. The agency continues to prioritize the well-being of the astronauts while managing the operational requirements of the ISS.