ISS Faces First Major Health Crisis in 25 Years: Astronaut's Illness Triggers Early Return Talks

• A rare medical emergency aboard the International Space Station (ISS) involving a Crew-11 astronaut has led to the cancellation of a spacewalk.
• NASA is considering an early return for the entire Crew-11 mission, which would be the first such medical abort in 25 years.
• The affected astronaut's condition is now stable, but the incident highlights challenges of medical care in zero gravity.
• The ISS lacks a full hospital; astronauts rely on a compact medical kit (CHeCS) for essential care, with emergency return to Earth as the only option for serious conditions.
• Medical treatment in microgravity is complex, with difficulties in administering injections, slower wound healing, and weakened immune systems.

Why It Matters: A rare astronaut illness on the ISS prompts early return discussions, exposing critical limits of space medical care.