NASA sends 4 astronauts back to Earth in first medical evacuation

January 15, 2026
An astronaut needing medical care has returned to Earth from the International Space Station. This marks NASA’s first-ever medical evacuation. The astronaut, along with three crewmates, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Their mission was cut short to allow for necessary medical evaluations on the ground. The health of the astronaut is stable and they are receiving good care.