Four-time space traveler Mike Fincke revealed that the cause of his sudden illness at the International Space Station earlier this year remains unknown. The incident occurred on Jan. 7 while he was having dinner and preparing for a spacewalk the next day. Despite feeling fine afterwards, Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel, experienced a distressing episode that lasted approximately 20 minutes. Medical experts have ruled out a heart attack and choking, but other possibilities related to his 549 days of weightlessness are being considered.
During the unexpected medical event, Fincke’s crewmates quickly responded and sought assistance from flight surgeons on the ground. Utilizing the space station’s ultrasound machine, they conducted tests to investigate the issue. Fincke, who identified himself as the affected astronaut last month, expressed regret that the incident led to the cancellation of a spacewalk, resulting in an early return for some crew members.
Despite the setback, Fincke remains hopeful about the prospect of returning to space one day. NASA is carefully examining medical records of other astronauts to identify any similar occurrences in space. The space agency aims to protect astronauts’ medical privacy while ensuring their well-being during missions.
