Mike Fincke Breaks Silence: NASA Veteran Reveals “Medical Event” Led To Crew-11 Evacuation

For weeks, the identity of the astronaut who fell ill during the Crew-11 mission remained a closely guarded secret. On Wednesday, Mike Fincke released a statement through NASA, expressing gratitude to his crewmates—Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov—for their “immediate attention” during the crisis.

While NASA clarified that the January 15 landing was a “carefully coordinated plan” rather than a frantic emergency, the decision was made to utilize advanced medical imaging technology on Earth that is currently unavailable in orbit.

5 Fast Facts About Mike Fincke

As one of NASA’s most decorated explorers, Fincke’s health has been a matter of significant concern for the agency. Here is what you need to know about the Pennsylvania native:

• 1. Deep Academic & Military Roots: Growing up in Emsworth, near Pittsburgh, Fincke is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Penn State, and MIT. He served as a Colonel in the Air Force before transitioning to a full-time NASA career.
• 2. A “Space Marathoner”: By 2026, Fincke has logged over 549 days in space across four missions. He currently holds the record for the fourth-highest cumulative time in space among all NASA astronauts.
• 3. Indian Connection: His wife, Renita Saikia, is of Assamese Indian origin. A NASA researcher herself, Renita grew up in Houston. The couple has three children and maintains strong ties to their heritage.
• 4. The Mystery Condition: To date, the specific nature of Fincke’s ailment remains undisclosed. NASA has only confirmed the timeline: the issue began during a planned spacewalk on January 7, 2026.
• 5. Historic Mission Cut Short: Crew-11 launched in August 2025 and was originally slated to remain on the ISS until April 2026. The medical event forced the team to abandon their post nearly four months ahead of schedule.

Timeline: The Crew-11 Medical Evacuation