NASA delays 2026 spacewalk after astronaut's medical scare on ISS

NASA has postponed its first planned spacewalk of 2026 due to an unspecified medical issue with an astronaut. The decision follows strict safety protocols, as the agency prioritises crew well-being above all else. The affected astronaut is now in stable condition, but further assessments are underway.

The current International Space Station (ISS) crew, known as Crew-12, arrived on 14 February 2026. Their mission, originally set for eight to nine months, now faces potential changes as NASA reviews its next steps.

The four-member team—Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrej Fedyaev—was scheduled to conduct research and maintenance during their stay. Adenot, representing the European Space Agency (ESA), had been assigned up to 36 experiments in the Columbus and Kibo modules. These studies cover human physiology, climate research, and technology, including seven projects led by France's CNES.

NASA's postponement of the spacewalk came after an astronaut experienced an undisclosed medical concern. While the individual's condition has stabilised, the agency is evaluating all possibilities. One option under consideration is an early return to Earth for the affected crew member.

Safety remains NASA's top priority, and the agency has emphasised that mission adjustments will be made if necessary. The ISS crew continues their work while ground teams monitor the situation closely.

The postponed spacewalk highlights NASA's cautious approach to astronaut health. With the crew member now stable, the agency is weighing whether to shorten the mission or proceed as planned. Any decision will directly impact the remaining schedule for Crew-12's research and operations on the ISS.