NASA to make its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station. Here's why

"erring on the side of caution for the crew member,"

"I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts,"

NASA is ending a mission aboard the International Space Station early after an astronaut experienced a medical issue. The U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four will return to Earth in the coming days, earlier than planned. The astronaut's identity and the medical condition were not disclosed for privacy; the crew member is now stable. NASA canceled a scheduled spacewalk that would have prepared for a future rollout of solar panels. Officials said the situation was not an onboard emergency but emphasized caution. The returning crew arrived via SpaceX in August for a planned six-month stay. Three other crew members remain aboard for ongoing missions.

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