NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, a four-time space flier, revealed that doctors still don't know why he suddenly lost the ability to speak while on the International Space Station (ISS) in January. The incident occurred on Jan. 7 as Fincke was eating dinner after preparing for a spacewalk the following day.
Key Takeaways
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke revealed that doctors still don't know why he suddenly lost the ability to speak while on the International Space Station (ISS) in January. The episode lasted about 20 minutes and has been ruled out as a heart attack or choking, but other causes remain under investigation.
- Astronaut Mike Fincke experienced sudden speech loss during dinner on Jan. 7
- Episode lasted roughly 20 minutes; doctors ruled out heart attack and choking
- NASA is reviewing medical records for similar incidents in space history
- Fincke's illness led to the cancellation of a spacewalk and early return aboard SpaceX
- NASA administrator Jared Isaacman ordered Fincke to stop apologizing
The episode lasted roughly 20 minutes, during which Fincke couldn't talk and experienced no pain. His crewmates noticed his distress and immediately requested help from flight surgeons on the ground. According to CBS News, Fincke described the event as 'completely out of the blue' and 'amazingly quick.' Doctors have ruled out a heart attack and choking, but other potential causes remain under investigation.
The 59-year-old retired Air Force colonel has spent a total of 549 days in space and completed nine spacewalks. Fincke identified himself late last month as the astronaut who fell ill, ending public speculation. His illness led to the cancellation of a spacewalk that would have been his tenth and crewmate Zena Cardman's first. It also resulted in an early return for her and their two other crewmates aboard SpaceX on Jan. 15.
The space station's ultrasound machine was used during the incident, and Fincke has undergone numerous tests since returning to Earth. According to PBS News, NASA is reviewing other astronauts' medical records to see if any related instances might have occurred in space history. Fincke expressed hope that he can return to space one day.
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