NASA returns Crew-11 early Jan. 14, 2026, due to a medical emergency, marking first such evacuation in history.

NASA has scheduled an early return for the Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station, targeting January 14, 2026, marking the first time in NASA history a crew has been evacuated due to a medical emergency. The decision follows a health concern involving one crew member, prompting the agency to prioritize safety over the original mission timeline. The SpaceX Dragon capsule will undock and return the astronauts to Earth, with splashdown expected in the Atlantic Ocean. Specific details about the medical issue remain undisclosed, but NASA confirmed the affected astronaut is stable. The crew’s departure will leave three members aboard the station. The event underscores the challenges of managing health crises in space and highlights NASA’s readiness to respond to emergencies.