Astronaut Mike Fincke, who required NASA’s first emergency medical evacuation this year, revealed that the cause of his sudden illness aboard the International Space Station remains unknown. The incident occurred while he was having dinner on Jan. 7, preparing for a spacewalk the following day. Although he couldn’t speak and felt no pain, his concerned crewmates swiftly sought assistance from ground-based flight surgeons upon observing his distress.
In an interview from Houston’s Johnson Space Center, Fincke, a four-time space traveler and retired Air Force colonel, described the unexpected nature of the episode, which lasted approximately 20 minutes. Following the incident, he felt fine and has not experienced a similar occurrence before or since.
While ruling out a heart attack and choking, doctors are exploring potential factors related to Fincke’s 549 days of weightlessness during his ongoing space station mission. Describing the event as striking like “a very, very fast lightning bolt,” Fincke noted his crewmates’ prompt response, with all six members swiftly coming to his aid.
Due to privacy concerns, Fincke refrained from divulging further details about the medical incident. NASA aims to ensure that astronauts feel secure about their medical privacy in case of emergencies, he mentioned. The space station’s ultrasound equipment played a crucial role during the episode, and Fincke has undergone multiple tests since returning to Earth. NASA is reviewing medical records of other astronauts to identify any similar incidents that may have occurred in space.
Last month, Fincke disclosed his identity as the affected astronaut to put an end to public speculation. Regretful that his illness led to the cancellation of a spacewalk, he expressed gratitude for the support received and acknowledged the impact on his crewmates, including an early return to Earth for some due to the evacuation.
Despite the setback, Fincke remains optimistic about the possibility of returning to space in the future. NASA’s new administrator, Jared Isaacman, advised him to cease apologizing, emphasizing that the incident was a result of space conditions rather than personal fault. Colleagues reassured him that he did not disappoint anyone and encouraged him to maintain a positive outlook on future space endeavors.