Astronaut Mike Fincke Evacuated From Space Station After Losing Speech
Astronaut Michael Fincke was medically evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, March 28, 2026, after experiencing a sudden inability to speak, according to reports from the Belgian newspaper De Standaard. The unexpected medical issue prompted an immediate response from mission control and the rapid deployment of a contingency plan to return the veteran astronaut to Earth.
Details surrounding the precise nature of Fincke’s condition remain limited. Initial reports indicate that the communication failure occurred while Fincke was conducting routine maintenance within the ISS. Ground control teams attempted to diagnose the problem remotely, but were unable to establish verbal contact. The decision to evacuate was made after consultations between NASA and Roscosmos officials, prioritizing Fincke’s immediate medical attention.
Fincke, 59, is a highly experienced astronaut with a total of 548 days, 8 hours and 8 minutes in space across multiple missions, making him fourth among NASA astronauts for total time in space, according to NASA records. He has participated in nine spacewalks, totaling 48 hours and 37 minutes of extravehicular activity. His recent assignments include serving as a flight engineer on Expedition 73 and commander of Expedition 74, as well as a mission specialist on STS-134. Prior to this incident, Fincke had been certified to pilot both the Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, in addition to his qualifications on the Soyuz and Space Shuttle.
The evacuation process involved transferring Fincke to a Soyuz spacecraft, which then undocked from the ISS and began its descent to Earth. The landing took place earlier today in Kazakhstan. Medical personnel were on standby to provide immediate care upon landing. His current condition and the specifics of his medical treatment have not been publicly disclosed.
NASA has not yet released an official statement detailing the cause of Fincke’s medical emergency. A spokesperson confirmed the successful landing and transfer of Fincke to medical facilities, but declined to provide further information, citing patient privacy and the ongoing investigation into the incident. Roscosmos has likewise acknowledged the event, offering its support and cooperation with the investigation.
The incident raises questions about the medical protocols and emergency preparedness for astronauts on long-duration space missions. While the ISS is equipped with basic medical facilities and a crew medical officer, complex medical emergencies require rapid evacuation to Earth for specialized treatment. The swift response in Fincke’s case underscores the importance of international collaboration and pre-established contingency plans for ensuring astronaut safety.
As of this afternoon, the ISS continues to operate normally with the remaining crew members. NASA and Roscosmos are coordinating to assess the impact of Fincke’s departure on the ongoing research and operational schedule. No immediate changes to the ISS program have been announced.