Four astronauts are back safely on Earth. Their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was cut short due to an urgent medical situation. Initially slated for a standard six and a half month stay, their time in space was reduced by one month, marking a significant event in the history of human spaceflight.
The astronauts docked onto the ISS on August 1, 2023. They were fully immersed in all aspects of the research enterprise when a medical emergency interrupted. For this reason, the decision to evacuate the astronauts is always a momentous one. It’s the first time since the ISS began in 1998 that health issues have led to a removal of this kind.
The ISS orbits around the Earth at an altitude of about 250 miles, finishing a full orbit roughly every 90 minutes. It has been lived in every day since it was first placed in orbit. It is home to the only zero gravity, international collaboration and research laboratory for astronauts of any country. This joint mission is the most ambitious project yet of multiple space agencies moving in unison.
Fortunately, NASA has thorough protocols in place to address medical emergencies onboard the ISS. While many of these protocols existed before COVID-19, they were introduced quickly in reaction to the crisis. The planned spacewalk was called off at the last minute. To her surprise, focus immediately turned to solving the astronauts’ health problem. The ISS is equipped to manage various medical situations, ensuring that crew members receive appropriate care in a timely manner.
When the astronauts returned, they were very appreciative of the help and support they received during their sudden need to evacuate. As of the time of this writing, NASA officials are in the thick of those assessments. They’ll be releasing regular updates on the health of the astronauts, as well as what it means for future missions.