CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An ailing astronaut returned to Earth on Thursday alongside three crewmates, marking NASA’s first medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) and cutting their mission short by more than a month.

The crew touched down after NASA determined that one astronaut required medical attention that could not be adequately provided aboard the ISS. While the agency did not identify the astronaut or disclose the nature of the medical issue, officials emphasized that the individual remained stable throughout the return and that the situation was not considered an emergency.

Mission Cut Short

The four astronauts had been scheduled to remain on the ISS for several additional weeks. NASA announced last week that it was canceling a planned spacewalk due to a “medical concern” involving a crew member, later confirming that the entire mission would be shortened to ensure proper evaluation and treatment on Earth.

Safe Return

The crew’s spacecraft undocked from the ISS and completed a safe descent, concluding a mission that had otherwise proceeded normally. NASA officials noted that while emergency return procedures are routinely practiced, this marked the first time a mission was ended early specifically for medical reasons.

Privacy Maintained

NASA declined to release further details about the astronaut’s condition, citing medical privacy. The agency reiterated that the decision to return early was precautionary and that the astronaut was in stable condition during the journey home.