U.S (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 08, 2026 – NASA has postponed a planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station scheduled for Thursday, January 8, following a medical concern with one astronaut. The agency confirmed the crew member’s condition remains stable, prioritising safety while evaluating mission options. Further updates on rescheduling and Crew-11’s status are expected within 24 hours.
Planned Tasks for the Postponed Spacewalk
NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were set to conduct U.S. Spacewalk 94, exiting the station’s Quest airlock to prepare the 2A power channel. This preparation supports the future installation of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays, which augment power capacity for station operations, including deorbit preparations.
Fincke, designated Spacewalk Crew Member 1 in a red-striped suit, would have completed his 10th spacewalk, while Cardman, Spacewalk Crew Member 2 in an unmarked suit, performed her first.
Space tracking account Cliff Lentz confirmed the key participants and the reason for the delay. Cliff Lentz said in X post,
“U.S. Spacewalk 94, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, with NASA astronauts Mike Fincke & Zena Cardman, has been postponed. NASA is monitoring a medical concern with a crew member that arose Wednesday afternoon aboard the orbital complex.”
The spacewalk formed part of two January activities, marking the 278th and 279th in station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades, and the first of 2026 under Expedition 74. NASA intended live coverage via NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube channels. No immediate decision has emerged on proceeding with the second spacewalk, originally planned for January 15, 2026.
Details of the Second Scheduled Spacewalk
U.S. Spacewalk 95 was slated to commence at 7:10 a.m. on January 15, lasting approximately six and a half hours. Tasks included replacing a high-definition camera, installing a planar reflector navigational aid on the Harmony module, and relocating ammonia servicer jumpers on the S6 and S4 truss segments. NASA planned to name participants after the first spacewalk’s completion.
NASA’s Official Announcement
NASA issued its initial public statement on the postponement via social media. NASA said in X post, “NASA is postponing the Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, spacewalk outside the @Space_Station. A new date for the upcoming spacewalk will be shared later.
A NASA spokesperson emphasised in a January 7, 2026, late-night update: “Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority.” The agency identified the medical issue arising on Wednesday afternoon, affecting a single crew member aboard the orbiting laboratory, but withheld further details citing medical privacy.
Update on Medical Issue and Mission Evaluation
Space news outlet NASASpaceflight shared NASA’s follow-up on the crew member’s status. NASASpaceflight said in X post,
“This is becoming a serious situation. Possible early return of Crew-11. NASA: “As an update to our earlier communication regarding a medical situation aboard the International Space Station, the matter involved a single crew member who is stable.
Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11’s mission…””
NASA is assessing options, including the potential early conclusion of Crew-11’s mission. Independent commentator Robbieallan4 highlighted the issue’s implications. Robbieallan4 said in X post,
“Breaking One ISS astronaut is dealing with a medical issue (stable condition) serious enough to cancel today’s spacewalk. NASA is evaluating an early return home for the crew. Wild reminder how tough space is. Thoughts? #NASA #ISS”
Community and Partner Responses
ARISS offered support amid ongoing station activities. ARISS (Amateur Radio on the ISS) said in X post,
“We’re keeping the crew in our thoughts after the announcement of a medical situation onboard the ISS. NASA has postponed today’s @Space_Station EVA. The radio schedule remains the same, with power up of the crossband voice repeater still scheduled for tomorrow.”
Background on Crew-11 and Expedition 74
Crew-11 represents the latest rotation supporting continuous station habitation and research. Expedition 74 oversees ongoing experiments and maintenance amid preparations for future commercial and international partnerships. The postponed spacewalk aligns with routine upgrades, enhancing station longevity and power infrastructure.
