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Astronaut Fincke's sudden illness on ISS remains unexplained

Four-time space flier Mike Fincke fell ill on Jan. 7 while aboard the International Space Station, sparking an urgent medical response and an early evacuation; doctors have ruled out a heart attack but the cause remains unknown.

Mar 27th 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Mike Fincke became ill on Jan. 7 aboard the International Space Station and the episode lasted about 20 minutes.
  • The incident triggered NASA's first medical evacuation of the year and led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk.
  • Doctors have ruled out a heart attack and choking, but no definitive cause has been identified.
  • NASA is reviewing other astronauts' records and Fincke underwent multiple tests after returning to Earth.
  • SpaceX returned Fincke and three crewmates early on Jan. 15 and they went straight to hospital, and Fincke says he feels fine and hopes to fly again.

Sources