NASA’s Crew-11 mission, which ends this week. Following the cancellation of a planned spacewalk due to a serious medical concern, this has been a welcome and most timely development. Four crew members are expected to return to Earth with the Crew Dragon capsule. Among them are two from the United States, one from Japan and one from Russia. On January 8, they burst onto the scene with their ambitious plan to bring them home. The decision resulted from a careful determination of the status on board the International Space Station (ISS).
Ms Cardman, a biologist and polar explorer, joined her crew’s first journey to space. She’s accompanied by Mr. Platonov, some kind of wizened former fighter pilot from the Russian air force. It would have been the first six-hour redlined spacewalk for each of the astronauts, had it not been scrubbed after health issues came up. On board was Mr. Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel, and the expected commander of the ISS. He was accompanied by Mr. Yui, a former fighter pilot in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Mr. Fincke and Mr. Yui are experienced space travelers. Just recently, Mr. Yui marked an impressive milestone of his own — his 300th day in space between two different missions.
Medical Concerns Prompt Change in Plans
By the early afternoon of January 7, officials decided to call off the spacewalk. A yet-to-be-disclosed medical issue involving one of the astronauts led to this unanticipated step. NASA has long characterized this concern as critical, threatening enough to prompt immediate attention.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman addressed the situation, stating, “One of the astronauts faced a serious medical condition.” The agency’s quick response sent a strong signal regarding its commitment to the safety of astronauts aboard the ISS.
Given this incredible news, Crew-11 team plans changed quickly. The announcement from January 8 explained the logistics for bringing all four crew back safely to Earth.
The Crew’s Background and Achievements
Ms. Cardman became the first female flight engineer, one of several important firsts in her career. She spoke positively about her maiden spaceflight experience. She translated that excitement of having such a ground-breaking experience into a mission of her work in biology and exploration.
On October 5th Mr. Platonov was treated to his very first flight to space. He used his background as a fighter pilot to perform equally well in this mission. Mr. Fincke, a retired colonel in the Air Force, comes to his job with a wealth of experience. As station commander, his leadership skills are essential for keeping his responsibilities on the right track. His extensive experience as a veteran of four previous missions will bring invaluable knowledge and skill to Crew-11.
Mr. Yui’s experience as an astronaut has spanned numerous missions, and he reflected on his time in space:
“I want to burn it firmly into my eyes, and even more so, into my heart.” – JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui
His love for the grandeur of art and space continues to glow through his designs. Unlike his peers he’s acutely aware of how important his experiences are.
Homeward Bound
As the Crew Dragon capsule starts its re-entry preparations, those astronauts will be looking back on their experiences at the ISS. The mission has achieved incredible scientific discoveries and it has built bridges in international collaboration in space exploration.
It’s a feeling that most astronauts express. They experience a deep sense of community when they return home in one sense from the immeasurable depths of space to the Earth.
“Soon, I too will become one of those small lights on the ground.” – JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui
This sentiment resonates with many astronauts who have had similar experiences as they transition from the vastness of space back to Earth.
