NASA astronaut says medical scare in space remains a mystery
abcnews.com • • science
Key Points:
- Astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a sudden, unexplained medical episode on the International Space Station (ISS) on January 7, prompting NASA's first medical evacuation from the station.
- The 20-minute incident involved Fincke losing the ability to speak without pain, and despite extensive tests, doctors have ruled out a heart attack but remain uncertain about the cause, which may relate to long-term weightlessness.
- Fincke's crewmates acted quickly to provide aid, and the event led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and an early return to Earth for part of the crew via SpaceX on January 15.
- NASA is reviewing other astronauts' medical records for similar cases and emphasizes maintaining medical privacy for astronauts, with Fincke choosing to publicly identify himself to end speculation.
- Despite the episode, Fincke remains optimistic about his health and hopes to return to space in the future, encouraged by support from NASA leadership and colleagues.
