NASA's Mike Fincke identifies himself as the ailing astronaut who prompted space station evacuation

"Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. A medical event that required immediate attention occurred, and the health concern forced cancellation of a planned spacewalk. Following splashdown in the Pacific, all four astronauts were taken to a San Diego hospital and flew home to Houston the next day."

"The space station's ultrasound machine came in handy during the medical crisis. Fincke elaborated that his situation was not an emergency but that everyone wanted to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station, requiring evacuation for proper medical assessment and care."

Mike Fincke, a 58-year-old veteran astronaut, revealed he was the crew member who experienced a medical event aboard the International Space Station last month, prompting NASA's first medical evacuation. Fincke launched with three others on a SpaceX mission in summer and experienced a medical situation requiring immediate attention approximately a week before the mission ended on January 15. The condition forced cancellation of a planned spacewalk. Following splashdown in the Pacific, all four astronauts were hospitalized in San Diego before returning to Houston. Fincke stated his condition quickly stabilized with support from crewmates and flight surgeons. He emphasized the situation was not an emergency but required advanced medical imaging unavailable on the station. Fincke is now doing well.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles