On Sunday morning, four astronauts returned to Earth a little ahead of schedule after a medical emergency required their evacuation from the International Space Station. Unfortunately for them, their time in space came to an end nearly a month early. This event was a watershed moment in the history of human spaceflight. This evacuation is not your typical emergency. Now, for the first time since the ISS started in 1998, astronauts are being withdrawn from the station due to health concerns.
The astronauts first arrived at the ISS on August 1, intending to spend six-and-a-half months in space initially. Then a major medical crisis developed, making it necessary for them to return home earlier than originally planned. NASA’s well-established protocols for dealing with in-flight medical emergencies were put into place to guarantee the crew’s safe return.
Their evacuation occurred just as the planned spacewalk was to begin, prior to its cancellation. The last-minute decision to cancel it removed all pressure to attend to the still-developing medical crisis. The world cheered as all astronauts landed safely back on Earth. What they ran into that resulted in their medical evac has not been released by officials.
With its habitable environment and powerful infrastructure, the ISS has been continuously occupied since its first module was launched into low Earth orbit in 1998. Since then, astronauts have performed thousands of experiments and flown on hundreds of missions—with the station serving as an outpost for exploration beyond low Earth orbit. This incident showcased both the operational and personal dangers of long-duration missions in space. It highlights the important need for recognizable protocols for unforeseen and unpredictable medical emergencies.
NASA has to continue to demonstrate its commitment to the health and safety of its astronauts. Their health, safety, and efficiency must be the foundation upon which any future agency is established. The agency’s protocol for handling medical emergencies while on mission includes evacuation plans, in-field treatment, and post-mission care.