NewKerala.com

NASA Postpones Spacewalk Due to Astronaut Medical Concern on ISS

NASA has postponed a scheduled spacewalk outside the International Space Station due to a medical concern involving an astronaut. The agency stated the situation is stable but has not disclosed the astronaut's identity or details of the medical issue, citing privacy. The spacewalk was to involve astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman performing power upgrade work, including installing a modification kit for a future solar array. A new date for the activity will be announced later.

Key Points: NASA Spacewalk Postponed Over Astronaut Medical Issue

  • Spacewalk postponed over medical issue
  • Astronaut identity not disclosed
  • Mission involved power system upgrades
  • Was to be astronaut's first spacewalk
2 min read

NASA postpones spacewalk over 'medical concern' with astronaut

NASA delays ISS spacewalk for power upgrades due to a stable but undisclosed medical concern with a crew member. New date pending.

"Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member. The situation is stable. - NASA Blog Post"

New Delhi, Jan 8

US space agency NASA on Thursday postponed its scheduled spacewalk over a 'medical concern' with an astronaut.

Two Expedition 74 NASA astronauts -- Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman -- were slated for the first spacewalk of 2026. They had planned to exit an airlock aboard the International Space Station for the power upgrade work.

The space agency, however, has not provided details about the medical issue or the name of the astronaut involved.

"NASA is postponing the Thursday, January 8, spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The agency is monitoring a medical concern with a crew member that arose Wednesday afternoon aboard the orbital complex," the US space agency shared in a blog post.

"Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member. The situation is stable. NASA will share additional details, including a new date for the upcoming spacewalk, later," the post added.

During the six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk, the Station Commander Fincke and Flight Engineer Cardman aimed to install a modification kit and routing cables for a future roll-out solar array.

The duo also planned to include installing jumper cables, taking hardware photos, and collecting microorganism samples.

The spacewalk would be a first for Cardman, a 38-year-old geobiologist who was selected for the astronaut corps in 2017.

On Wednesday, Fincke and Cardman organised their spacewalking tools and supplies inside the Quest airlock, where they were intended to exit the orbital outpost. They also finished configuring their spacesuits and the associated life support and emergency components, NASA said.

At the end of their shift, they were joined by Flight Engineers Chris Williams of NASA and Kimiya Yui of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) for a final spacewalk procedures review and a readiness conference with mission controllers on the ground.

Williams and Yui will assist the astronauts in and out of their spacesuits, pressurise and depressurise the Quest airlock, and monitor the spacewalkers as they work outside the orbiting lab, it added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a bit worrying. They should at least tell us if it's something minor or serious, without revealing the name. The lack of details creates unnecessary speculation. Still, wishing a speedy recovery to the astronaut.
A
Arjun K
Imagine having a medical issue 400 km above Earth! Shows how critical the training and support systems are. Hats off to the entire team on the ISS and ground control. Our ISRO scientists must also face such tense moments during missions.
S
Sarah B
Poor Zena Cardman! Her first spacewalk postponed. Must be so disappointing after all that preparation. But safety is paramount in such a hostile environment. She'll get her chance soon, I'm sure.
V
Vikram M
This is why international cooperation in space is vital. You have NASA and JAXA working together. Hope India's Gaganyaan program also fosters such strong partnerships. The delay is a small price for a crew member's well-being.
K
Karthik V
The article says the situation is "stable", which is reassuring. Medical emergencies in space are a nightmare scenario they train for extensively. It's a testament to their protocols that they can handle it calmly. Get well soon, whoever you are!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50