What Medicines Do Astronauts Carry With Them? Inside First ISS Health Emergency In 25 Years

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 20:15 IST

The situation unfolded on January 7, 2026, when NASA announced that one of the astronauts aboard the ISS had developed a "serious medical condition"

Most astronauts experience what is known as "space adaptation syndrome" during the initial days of a mission. (AI-Generated Image)

A rare medical emergency aboard the Space Station (ISS) has forced the cancellation of a scheduled spacewalk and triggered deliberations within NASA over the possibility of an early return of an entire crew to Earth. The incident, involving an astronaut from the Crew-11 mission, is being described as the first such health crisis in orbit in nearly 25 years.

While the affected astronaut’s condition is now stable, the episode has raised fresh questions about medical care in space and the limits of treatment in zero gravity.

The situation unfolded on January 7, 2026, when NASA announced that one of the astronauts aboard the ISS had developed a “serious medical condition". As an immediate precaution, a spacewalk scheduled for January 8 was called off indefinitely.

NASA has not disclosed the identity of the astronaut or the exact nature of the illness, citing medical confidentiality. Early reports suggested that all four members of the Crew-11 mission might be brought back to Earth at once. However, subsequent updates confirmed that the astronaut’s health has stabilised.

NASA’s Chief Health Officer, Dr James Polk, said the agency was treating the matter with utmost seriousness, noting that no mission has been aborted due to a medical emergency since 2000. If Crew-11 is recalled prematurely, it would mark a first in 25 years.

Q. What is space sickness?

Most astronauts experience what is known as “space adaptation syndrome" during the initial days of a mission. Symptoms typically include nausea, dizziness and a sensation of heaviness. Scientists attribute this to the absence of gravity, which disrupts the balance system of the inner ear.

In most cases, the human body adapts within a few days. NASA officials, however, have indicated that the condition affecting the Crew-11 astronaut goes beyond routine space sickness and is considered medically serious.

Q. Is there a hospital or doctors’ facility on the ISS?

There is no full-scale hospital or operating theatre aboard the ISS. Instead, astronauts rely on a compact medical setup known as the Crew Health Care System (CHeCS). This includes essential life-saving medicines, portable diagnostic tools and a small ultrasound device used to examine internal organs.

The station is also equipped with a Health Maintenance System, which provides oxygen support and a defibrillator. However, in the event of a condition requiring major surgery or intensive care, there are no facilities to manage it in orbit. In such scenarios, the only viable option is an emergency return to Earth.

Q. What medications do astronauts carry with them?

Astronauts are equipped with a carefully curated medical kit designed to handle both minor ailments and more serious conditions. These kits typically include painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen for headaches and muscle pain; medications and patches to counter motion sickness; and sleep aids like melatonin to help manage disrupted sleep cycles.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are available to address infections, while antihistamines are carried for allergic reactions. Basic first-aid supplies like bandages, antiseptic ointments, eye drops and wound-cleaning solutions are also standard components of the onboard medical inventory.

Q. How difficult is it for doctors to treat patients in zero gravity?

Medical treatment in space presents challenges far beyond those faced on Earth. In microgravity, even simple tasks such as administering injections become complex, as liquid medication can float freely and air bubbles in syringes pose serious risks.

Microgravity also causes bodily fluids, including blood, to shift upwards towards the head, which can weaken the immune system over time. Wound healing is slower, and there is an increased risk that minor infections could escalate. This is why NASA continuously monitors astronauts’ vital signs and health data in real time throughout the mission.

Q. Who are the four astronauts currently aboard the ISS as part of Crew-11?

The Crew-11 mission was launched on August 1, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. The four astronauts currently on board the ISS are Gina Cardman and Michael Finke from NASA, Kimiya Yui of Japan’s JAXA, and Oleg Platonov of Russia’s Roscosmos.

Their mission was originally scheduled to conclude in February 2026. However, following the medical emergency, NASA has indicated that the timeline could change depending on health assessments and operational considerations. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has reiterated that crew safety remains the agency’s highest priority.

Q. Why has such an emergency occurred after nearly 25 years?

Over the past two and a half decades, NASA has enforced extremely strict health and safety protocols. Astronauts undergo prolonged medical screening and quarantine before launch to minimise the risk of infections. They are also trained to handle basic medical procedures in space.

Despite these measures, certain internal medical conditions cannot always be predicted or detected in advance. According to NASA, the current incident is not linked to an accident or mission-related injury but to an internal health issue that could occur under any circumstances. This unpredictability is what makes the case both rare and concerning.

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