Astronaut says his sudden medical scare in space remains a mystery
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a sudden, unexplained medical episode on the International Space Station on January 7, leading to NASA's first medical evacuation from the station earlier this year.
- The episode lasted about 20 minutes, during which Fincke was unable to speak but felt no pain, and he has since fully recovered with no recurring symptoms.
- Doctors have ruled out a heart attack and choking, but the cause remains unknown, with investigations considering possible links to the effects of prolonged weightlessness.
- The medical incident resulted in the cancellation of a planned spacewalk and an early return to Earth for Fincke and three crewmates, who were hospitalized upon landing.
- Fincke revealed his identity to quell speculation and emphasized NASA's commitment to astronaut medical privacy, while expressing hope to return to space in the future.
