Four astronauts returned safely to Earth early Thursday after a medical emergency involving one crew member led NASA to end their International Space Station mission weeks ahead of schedule.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California after a descent lasting more than 10 hours.
NASA officials said the decision marked the first time an ISS crew rotation had been cut short because of a health issue.
The astronauts were assisted from the capsule and transported for medical evaluations following the landing.
The spacecraft, named Endeavour, parachuted into calm waters off San Diego at about 12:45 a.m. Pacific time following a fiery reentry through Earth’s atmosphere.
Commander Zena Cardman, a NASA astronaut, confirmed the crew’s safe arrival in a brief radio transmission, saying, "It's good to be home."
She was joined by NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
NASA announced the early return on January 8 after canceling a planned spacewalk due to what it described as a serious medical condition affecting one astronaut.
Agency officials declined to identify the individual or disclose details of the illness, citing medical privacy.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the astronaut was stable and did not require special arrangements during the journey home.
Chief Health and Medical Officer James Polk said the issue was not caused by an injury related to station operations.
The shortened mission ended a 167-day stay aboard the orbiting laboratory for the four-member crew.
Their early departure temporarily reduces the station’s staffing to three astronauts, including one NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts who arrived aboard a Soyuz spacecraft.
NASA officials acknowledged the smaller crew is not ideal but said the station can continue normal operations until the next crew arrives.
Crew-12 is expected to launch in mid-February to restore a full complement of personnel.
The returning astronauts were assisted onto gurneys as they adjusted to Earth’s gravity and were taken to a hospital for further checks, a step NASA said reflected caution rather than deterioration.
Officials emphasized that the agency’s response followed established emergency preparedness procedures and ensured a safe outcome.