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Astronaut Mike Fincke says he had a medical event aboard the ISS and thanks teammates
Summary
Mike Fincke identified himself as the astronaut who experienced a medical event aboard the International Space Station on Jan. 7 that prompted NASA's first medical evacuation in 65 years; he says he is doing well and is undergoing post‑flight reconditioning.
Content
Mike Fincke has identified himself as the astronaut who experienced a medical event aboard the International Space Station on Jan. 7. NASA published his statement, and Fincke thanked his crewmates and medical staff. The situation led to a medical evacuation and a shortened mission that returned on Jan. 15. Fincke said he is doing well and is undergoing post‑flight reconditioning, but he did not specify the nature of the health issue.
Key facts:
- Fincke reported the medical event occurred on Jan. 7 aboard the ISS and said his teammates provided immediate attention.
- NASA arranged a medical evacuation, described as the agency's first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight, and the mission was cut short by about a month.
- Fincke is reported as doing well and is undergoing post‑flight reconditioning; NASA had previously declined to identify the affected astronaut or disclose medical details citing privacy.
- The crew used the station's onboard ultrasound during the event, a device they had used for routine checks while in orbit.
Summary:
Fincke's announcement clarifies which crew member was affected and explains why station activities and the mission schedule were adjusted. The disclosure highlights the use of onboard medical tools during an in‑flight event. Any further medical details or formal next steps were not provided. Undetermined at this time.
