Khaberni - An American astronaut disclosed details of a mysterious medical incident he suffered while on board the International Space Station, which led to the first medical evacuation in the history of "NASA".
Astronaut Mike Fincke, according to "Daily Mail", suddenly lost the ability to speak while having dinner on January 7, after preparations for a spacewalk, in an incident he described as "swift and shocking".
Critical moments in space
Fincke, aged 59, noted that the episode lasted about 20 minutes, without feeling any pain or suffocation, before fully regaining his normal state.
He said his colleagues noticed his condition immediately and rushed to seek help from doctors on Earth, in an urgent response that led to the decision to evacuate the crew.
Despite multiple tests, doctors have so far been unable to determine the exact cause of the condition, excluding a heart attack.
One possible explanation still being considered is related to the effects of zero-gravity, especially since Fincke has spent a total of 549 days in space during his career.
Decision to evacuate
The incident prompted the NASA agency to carry out the first medical evacuation from the International Space Station, with the "Crew-11" mission crew being returned to Earth a month ahead of their scheduled date.
The crew, in addition to Fincke, included Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov.
Fincke explained that his health condition led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk, also affecting the entire crew's schedule, which prompted him to feel responsible before his colleagues reassured him that what happened was beyond his control.
"NASA" is currently reviewing the medical records of other astronauts to check for similar cases, at a time when estimates suggest that such emergencies may occur once every few years, although they have not been previously recorded.
After returning to Earth, the crew underwent comprehensive medical examinations, with Fincke affirming that he still enjoys good health and expressing his hope to return to space again.
