NASA has postponed a scheduled spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) on January 8th, citing a “medical concern” with one of the crew members. The decision was made after a health issue arose Wednesday afternoon, though NASA is withholding specific details to protect the astronaut’s privacy. The situation is reported as stable, and the agency intends to announce a new date for the spacewalk later.
Spacewalk Details and Purpose
The spacewalk, originally planned for approximately 8:00 a.m. EST (1300 GMT), would have lasted roughly 6.5 hours. Astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were preparing to work on the ISS’ power channels in anticipation of installing a new International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA). This upgrade is critical, as the iROSA will provide additional power to the station and support its eventual deorbiting when the time comes.
Milestones at Stake
This spacewalk held significance for both astronauts: it would have been Cardman’s first and Fincke’s tenth, tying him with five other American astronauts—Bob Behnken, Stephen Bowen, Chris Cassidy, Michael Lopez-Alegria, and Peggy Whitson—for the NASA record. The global record remains at 16, held by Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Solevyev.
Future Plans
NASA is also preparing for another spacewalk on January 15th, where unnamed astronauts will replace a high-definition camera and install navigational equipment for visiting spacecraft. These upcoming EVAs mark the first of 2026 and will be the 278th and 279th spacewalks conducted at the ISS since its inception.
The postponement highlights the inherent risks of space travel and the importance of astronaut health. While NASA is transparent about the delay, withholding medical details is standard procedure to protect crew member privacy. This event underscores the meticulous planning and monitoring required for operations on the ISS, where even minor health issues can disrupt critical timelines.
