National Aeronautics and Space Administration cuts International Space Station mission

United States — NASA is cutting short a mission aboard the International Space Station due to a medical issue experienced by an unnamed astronaut. This marks United States — NASA's first medical evacuation from the International Space Station. The four-person crew, including United States — NASA's Zena Cardman and Michael Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui, and Russia's Oleg Platonov, who arrived via SpaceX in August, will return to Earth earlier than planned. A scheduled spacewalk by Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman to prepare for solar panel deployment has been cancelled. United States — NASA officials, including James K. Polk, stressed it was not an emergency but a precautionary measure. Jared Isaacman, United States — NASA administrator, praised the swift response. Three other astronauts, United States — NASA's Chris Williamson and Russia's Sergei Mikaev and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, remain on the International Space Station. SpaceX is also contracted to deorbit the International Space Station by late 2030 or early 2031.