NASA Postpones Spacewalk Amid Medical Concern for Astronaut

UPDATE: NASA has just announced the postponement of a crucial spacewalk initially scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023, due to a “medical concern” involving one of its astronauts. The space agency has not disclosed further details about the issue or revealed the identity of the astronaut affected.

In a statement, NASA emphasized the importance of medical privacy, stating, “Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member.” However, they assured the public that “the situation is stable” and promised to provide updates, including a new date for the rescheduled spacewalk.

The mission was set to see astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman exit the airlock of the International Space Station to complete preparations for a power channel where a new solar array is to be installed. This spacewalk would have marked a significant milestone for Cardman, a 38-year-old geobiologist and member of NASA’s astronaut corps since 2017. For Fincke, it would have been his tenth spacewalk, solidifying his status as the sixth American astronaut to reach this milestone.

As NASA manages the situation, the agency remains committed to its mission of advancing human space exploration. The postponement raises urgent questions about the health and safety of astronauts in space missions. While NASA has historically maintained confidentiality regarding medical issues affecting crew members, such concerns are not uncommon.

Past incidents, including the experience of space adaptation syndrome—characterized by symptoms like vomiting and vertigo—have been documented in academic research but typically remain anonymous. Additionally, a previous case involving jugular venous thrombosis was shared in an academic journal, yet the astronaut’s identity was never revealed.

In October 2024, after the return of SpaceX’s Crew-8 mission, another crew member faced a medical issue, requiring hospitalization in Florida. Again, NASA reported that the individual was “in stable condition” but did not disclose their identity.

The current postponement of the spacewalk has sparked concern and curiosity in the scientific community and among space enthusiasts. As NASA navigates this situation, the space agency’s commitment to transparency and safety remains paramount.

Stay tuned for updates as NASA provides more information regarding the rescheduling of the spacewalk and the health of the astronaut involved. This developing story highlights the complexities and challenges of human spaceflight, emphasizing the need for ongoing research into the impacts of space on the human body.