Astronaut Recounts Baffling In-Orbit Medical Emergency
A seasoned astronaut, the central figure in NASA’s first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) this year, has opened up about the mysterious illness that struck him while in orbit. Four-time space veteran Mike Fincke described the alarming incident, which occurred on January 7 as he was preparing for a crucial spacewalk scheduled for the following day.
Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel with 59 years of life experience, was in the midst of dinner when he suddenly lost his ability to speak. While he experienced no physical pain, the event visibly distressed his crewmates, who immediately alerted flight surgeons back on Earth.
“It was completely out of the blue. It was just amazingly quick,” Fincke shared from Houston’s Johnson Space Center. He likened the sudden onset of his condition to being hit by “a very, very fast lightning bolt.” The episode lasted for approximately 20 minutes, after which Fincke felt completely fine and has continued to do so, with no prior or subsequent similar experiences.
Investigations Continue into the Unknown Ailment
Despite extensive medical evaluations, the exact cause of Fincke’s sudden incapacitation remains a puzzle. Doctors have definitively ruled out a heart attack and confirmed he was not choking. However, all other potential explanations are still under active investigation. One theory being explored is a possible link to his cumulative 549 days spent in the unique environment of weightlessness. At the time of the incident, Fincke was five and a half months into his latest mission aboard the ISS.
“My crewmates definitely saw that I was in distress,” he recalled, describing how all six members of the crew quickly gathered around him. “It was all hands on deck within just a matter of seconds.”
Advanced Technology and Ongoing Research
Fincke highlighted the critical role of the space station’s ultrasound machine during the emergency. Since his return to Earth, he has undergone a comprehensive battery of tests. NASA is now undertaking a broader review of other astronauts’ medical records, searching for any comparable incidents that may have occurred in space.
Fincke, who chose to identify himself late last month to preempt public speculation, expressed his disappointment that his illness necessitated the cancellation of a spacewalk. This spacewalk would have been his tenth and the first for his crewmate Zena Cardman. Furthermore, his condition led to the early return of Cardman and two other crewmates.
A Safe Return and a Hope for the Future
The crew was brought back to Earth on January 15 via a SpaceX mission, over a month ahead of their scheduled return. Upon landing, they were immediately transported to a hospital for thorough medical assessments.
“I’ve been very lucky to be super healthy. So this was very surprising for everyone,” Fincke admitted.
He shared that he initially felt a sense of apology for the disruption caused by his medical emergency. However, he stopped feeling that way after NASA administrator Jared Isaacman personally instructed him to do so. His colleagues also offered reassurance, telling him, “This wasn’t you. This was space, right? You didn’t let anybody down.” Demonstrating his characteristic optimism, Fincke remains hopeful for the opportunity to embark on another journey into space in the future.
