NASA carries out its first medical evacuation as an ill astronaut returns to Earth ahead of schedule.

An ailing astronaut returned to Earth early with three crewmates on Thursday, ending their International Space Station mission more than a month ahead of schedule in NASA’s first-ever medical evacuation. A SpaceX capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego less than 11 hours after departing the station, and the crew was taken directly to a hospital for overnight medical checks.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the early return was due to a serious medical condition, but stressed that the astronaut is currently stable, in good spirits, and undergoing routine evaluations. Officials declined to identify the astronaut or disclose details, citing medical privacy.

The mission, which began in August, concluded unexpectedly and temporarily left the space station with just three crew members. NASA and SpaceX are now looking to move up the launch of a replacement crew, currently planned for mid-February.

The astronauts exited the capsule smoothly and were assisted to medical checks shortly after splashdown. NASA emphasized that the situation was not an emergency, but the first time the agency has shortened a mission for medical reasons, while continuing preparations for upcoming space station and lunar missions.

Source: AP

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