A NASA astronaut briefly went to the hospital after returning from an extended space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The astronaut, whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy, faced a medical issue necessitating hospitalization but is now in stable condition, Fox News reported.
The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, had an extended eight-month stay in space, two months longer than the usual missions due to unforeseen delays. They landed off the coast of Pensacola, Florida early Friday morning. The team performed notably during reentry and splashdown, which occurred without any reported complications.
NASA postponed the crew's return not only because of Hurricane Helene but also due to issues with the Boeing Starliner. Boeing had planned for an earlier return, but problems delayed its departure. Now, the Starliner crew expects to return in February aboard a SpaceX capsule.
Upon splashdown, the astronauts were transported for medical checks. While three of the astronauts were soon cleared and returned to Johnson Space Center in Houston, one stayed back at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola for further observation.
This standard precaution underlines the routine measures taken to ensure astronaut health after the physical challenges of space travel, including the effects of long-term weightlessness.
NASA has remained tight-lipped about the specific medical issue.
During a press briefing, a NASA official emphasized the overall well-being of the crew, highlighting their great condition upon return, despite not mentioning the medical checks initially.
"We’re grateful to Ascension Sacred Heart for its support during this time, and we are proud of our team for its quick action to ensure the safety of our crew members," the agency stated.
The gravity of living in space requires astronauts to undergo thorough health evaluations after their return to Earth. It is not uncommon for astronauts to need time to readjust to Earth’s gravity, which can sometimes take several days to weeks.
NASA confirmed on Saturday that doctors had released the hospitalized astronaut, who then returned to Houston for normal post-flight activities. The astronaut is reportedly in good health and will continue recovering alongside fellow crew members.
In conclusion, the skillful handling of the astronaut’s health issue by NASA’s medical team reflects the rigorous safety protocols the agency maintains for space travel. While astronauts face inherent risks during their missions, comprehensive support ensures their well-being as they readjust to Earth post-mission, further enabling the continued exploration of space.
