NASA Astronaut Loses Speech on ISS: Incident Details

# Medical Incident on the ISS: NASA Astronaut Loses Ability to Speak in Microgravity

NASA astronaut Mike Finke suddenly lost the ability to speak for 20 minutes during the Crew-11 mission on the ISS. The incident occurred after preparations for a spacewalk and led to the station's first early medical crew evacuation in its history.

The crew responded promptly, requesting help from Mission Control in Houston. The onboard ultrasound device aided initial diagnosis, but a full examination is only possible on Earth. NASA returned the crew on January 15, 2026, after the Crew Dragon splashed down off the California coast.

Timeline of Events

On January 9, 2026, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the early return of Crew-11 for the astronauts' safety. The crew included:

• Zena Cardman — crew commander;
• Edward Michael Finke — veteran astronaut, ISS commander until January 12;
• Kimiya Yui — Japanese astronaut;
• Oleg Platonov — Russian cosmonaut.

This decision followed discussions with NASA's chief medical officer, J.D. Polk. The ISS's diagnostic and treatment capabilities are limited, making evacuation unavoidable.

On January 15, the capsule splashed down successfully, and the crew was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego for evaluation. The astronauts were discharged on schedule.

Details of the Incident from Finke

In March 2026, 59-year-old retired US Air Force Colonel Mike Finke revealed the issue. During dinner after EVA preparations, he suddenly lost speech for 20 minutes. Symptoms appeared rapidly, without warning.

The crew reacted instantly: they called Mission Control, where surgeons coordinated actions. Choking and heart attack were ruled out. Experts are discussing microgravity effects after 5.5 months in orbit.

The onboard portable ultrasound device played a key role in stabilization. Finke noted: "The team was ready for surprises." Kimiya Yui confirmed the effectiveness of onboard equipment for future missions.

Finke has spent a total of 549 days in space. After return, he underwent a full checkup — no cause identified.

Impact of Microgravity on Health

Long-term stays on the ISS cause known effects:

• Bone density loss;
• Vision deterioration;
• Neurophysiological disruptions.

Inability to speak fits into the spectrum of neurological risks. NASA research focuses on mechanisms, including effects on brain speech centers. The incident highlights gaps in understanding long-term effects.

Microgravity tolerance is individual. Finke emphasizes the role of training and the crew's quick response.

Key Takeaways

• First medical evacuation in 25 years of ISS operations due to orbital diagnostic limitations.
• Ultrasound device proved effective as a telemedicine tool in space.
• Finke's incident is a call for deeper study of microgravity's neurological risks.
• Crew-11 stabilized the condition without consequences, returning on schedule.
• Finke plans more missions despite 549 days in space.

— Editorial Team