An astronaut at the International Space Station triggered NASA’s first medical evacuation earlier this year without any clear reason for suddenly falling ill. Mike Fincke, a veteran of four space missions, recalled the incident that occurred while he was having dinner on Jan. 7 and preparing for a spacewalk the following day. Despite experiencing speech difficulties and no pain, Fincke’s distressed crewmates promptly sought assistance from ground-based flight surgeons.
The episode, lasting about 20 minutes, ended as quickly as it began, leaving Fincke feeling fine afterward. He emphasized that he had never encountered such a situation before and has not since. Medical professionals have ruled out a heart attack or choking, leaving the cause of his sudden illness still undetermined, with a potential link to his extended period of weightlessness.
Following the incident, Fincke’s crewmates rallied around him, demonstrating a swift and cohesive response. While he refrained from disclosing specific details of the medical event, NASA is committed to safeguarding astronauts’ medical privacy in case of emergencies.
Fincke highlighted the valuable role of the space station’s ultrasound equipment during the event and mentioned undergoing various tests post-return to Earth. NASA is meticulously reviewing medical records of other astronauts to identify any similar occurrences in space.
Late last month, Fincke disclosed his identity as the affected astronaut to quell public speculation. Regretful that his illness led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and premature return of his crewmates, he expressed gratitude for the support received during this challenging time.
Despite the setback, Fincke remains optimistic about the possibility of future space missions. NASA’s administrator, Jared Isaacman, reassured him that the incident was beyond his control and that he did not disappoint anyone. Fincke’s resolve to venture into space once more remains unwavering.