NASA Calls Off Jan. 8 Spacewalk Because of Medical Concern
The planned spacewalk to be conducted on January 8 outside the International Space Station has been postponed after NASA identified a medical concern involving one of the crew members scheduled for the EVA. The decision, announced by NASA officials, comes just before the scheduled launch of two astronauts who were set to undertake the excursion.
What Was Planned for the Spacewalk?
The original EVA was to feature veteran spacewalker Mike Fincke and mission specialist Zena Cardman. The pair were expected to perform routine maintenance and installation tasks outside the ISS, taking advantage of the window before upcoming science experiments and cargo operations. Spacewalks at the ISS are carefully choreographed events that require extensive checks of suits, procedures, and environmental conditions to ensure astronaut safety.
Why Was It Postponed?
According to NASA, the postponement was due to a medical concern with an unnamed crew member. In NASA missions, even minor medical issues can necessitate a pause in spacewalk plans to protect crew health. The agency emphasized that the health and safety of astronauts remain the top priority, and decisions like this are made after careful review by medical personnel and mission managers.
What Happens Next?
NASA indicated that the situation is being assessed, and a new plan for the spacewalk will be announced once the crew member receives appropriate medical attention and a determination is made about scheduling. Historically, NASA reschedules spacewalks promptly when conditions permit, and new timelines can involve a few days to weeks depending on health, EVA availability, and other mission needs.
Impact on the ISS Schedule and Research
Delays in spacewalks ripple through the ISS itinerary. Maintenance, external experiments, and docking activities are tightly sequenced, so postponements can affect other planned operations. Engineers and flight controllers will revisit tasks, prioritize critical external work, and adjust timelines to minimize disruption to ongoing research in fields ranging from materials science to Earth observation.
How NASA Handles Health-Related Postponements
NASA’s approach to EVA postponements combines medical triage with mission risk assessment. Astronauts undergo rigorous medical screening before and during missions, and medical teams monitor crew health continuously aboard the station and during ground-supported rehearsals. When a medical concern arises, NASA often reassigns tasks, shifts EVA dates, or introduces additional medical checks to ensure that any potential risk is mitigated before a spacewalk proceeds.
Looking Ahead
While the Jan. 8 spacewalk has been postponed, NASA remains committed to advancing its external maintenance and science goals aboard the ISS. A new EVA date will likely be announced after the medical assessment concludes and the crew is deemed ready for the rigors of an extravehicular activity. The ISS program continues to be a hub of international collaboration and cutting-edge research, with NASA coordinating closely with partner agencies and the astronauts themselves to return to operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
Key Takeaways
- Spacewalk postponed due to a medical concern involving one crew member.
- Original EVA would have included Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman.
- Safety-first approach governs decisions on EVA scheduling.
