NASA postpones spacewalk due to medical issue on space station

NASA has postponed a critical spacewalk scheduled for Thursday outside the International Space Station (ISS) following the emergence of a "medical concern" with one of the astronauts. The US space agency announced the delay late Wednesday, stating the situation is currently stable but providing no further details due to medical privacy regulations.

Evaluation of Contingency Options

In a subsequent update, NASA indicated it is "evaluating all options" in response to the incident, which includes the possibility of arranging an early return to Earth for the crew member if necessary. "These are the situations NASA and our partners train for and prepare to execute safely," the agency noted, emphasizing its preparedness for such contingencies. More details, including a new date for the spacewalk, are expected within 24 hours.

Mission Context and Planned Activities

The affected mission, Expedition 74, began on December 8 and was scheduled to continue through the summer. The postponed spacewalk was to be conducted by Station Commander Mike Fincke and Flight Engineer Zena Cardman. Their planned 6.5-hour extravehicular activity involved crucial work to support solar array upgrades and perform routine maintenance as part of power system preparations for new solar panels on the orbiting laboratory.

Global Context in Space Exploration

This incident highlights the inherent risks of human spaceflight and the rigorous protocols in place to manage them. While NASA leads this mission, it underscores the importance of international cooperation in space. Notably, Türkiye is advancing its own ambitious space program, the Turkish Space Agency, focusing on developing independent capabilities and contributing to global scientific endeavors, aligning with its strategic vision of technological self-reliance.