NASA astronaut Mike Fincke lost ability to speak while aboard ISS NASA astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a sudden medical emergency while aboard the International Space Station, temporarily losing his ability to speak for about 20 minutes. The incident occurred on January 7 during preparations for a planned spacewalk, prompting immediate alerts to flight surgeons on Earth and concern among his crewmates. Despite extensive medical evaluations, doctors could not determine the exact cause of the episode, ruling out possibilities such as a heart attack or choking. The event has raised questions about the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the human body, given Fincke’s 549 days in space. The situation escalated to the point where Fincke was medically evacuated from the ISS via a SpaceX spacecraft on January 15, along with three other crew members. The evacuation also led to the cancellation of a scheduled spacewalk. Fincke, who has since recovered and reported feeling fine, expressed regret over the disruption but remains hopeful about returning to space. NASA has since initiated a review of medical records for other astronauts to investigate whether similar incidents may have occurred. The incident highlights the challenges of long-duration space missions and the potential for unexpected health complications in microgravity environments. While the exact cause of Fincke’s condition remains unclear, the event underscores the importance of continuous medical monitoring for astronauts during extended stays in space. NASA officials have not yet provided further details on the findings from the medical evaluations or the steps being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.#nasa #international_space_station #space_x #mike_fincke #spacewalk
Astronaut says his sudden medical scare in space remains a mystery NASA astronaut Mike Fincke described his unexpected medical episode during a spacewalk as a mystery, with doctors still unable to determine the cause. The incident occurred on January 7, 2026, while Fincke was eating dinner and preparing for a spacewalk. He suddenly lost the ability to speak, experienced no pain, and his crewmates quickly responded by alerting flight surgeons on Earth. The event lasted about 20 minutes, and Fincke reported feeling fine afterward. He said the episode was “completely out of the blue” and likened its suddenness to “a very, very fast lightning bolt.” Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel and four-time space flyer, was 5½ months into his stay on the International Space Station when the incident occurred. Doctors ruled out a heart attack and confirmed he was not choking, but no definitive explanation has emerged. He attributed the event to his 549 days of weightlessness, though the exact cause remains unclear. The space station’s onboard ultrasound machine was used during the incident, and Fincke has undergone extensive medical tests since returning to Earth. NASA is reviewing medical records of other astronauts to check if similar incidents have occurred in space. Fincke identified himself as the astronaut who fell ill late last month, ending public speculation about the event. He expressed regret over the incident causing the cancellation of his 10th spacewalk and forcing crewmate Zena Cardman—her first spacewalk—to return to Earth early. The crew was brought back on January 15, more than a month ahead of schedule, and immediately taken to the hospital. Fincke emphasized that he had been “very lucky to be super healthy” and found the episode “very surprising for everyone.#nasa #international_space_station #jared_isaacman #mike_fincke #zena_cardman
