CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.(AP) – A portable ultrasound machine proved invaluable during an emergency medical situation that prompted the evacuation of astronauts from the International Space Station last week, according to the crew.
Ultrasound Device ‘Super handy’ During Space station Medical Crisis
NASA’s first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight highlights the importance of onboard diagnostic tools.
- The four astronauts returned to Earth last week after a medical issue arose on January 7.
- The crew utilized a portable ultrasound machine, already used for routine health checks, to assess the situation.
- Astronauts are advocating for ultrasound machines to be standard equipment on all future spaceflights.
- The early return shortened the mission by more than a month.
During their first public appearance as landing, the astronauts declined to disclose details about the medical emergency or which crew member required attention. Though,they emphasized the critical role the ultrasound played in their response. “When we had this emergency,the ultrasound machine came in super handy,” NASA’s Mike Fincke said Wednesday. The crew had already been using the device for regular monitoring of physiological changes experienced in the weightless habitat of space.
What are the benefits of using ultrasound in space? Ultrasound provides a non-invasive way to visualize internal structures and diagnose medical conditions, even without the extensive equipment available on Earth.
Fincke believes the technology should be a standard inclusion on all future missions. “It really helped,” he stated, adding that while astronauts undergo rigorous health screenings before flight, “sometimes things happen and surprises happen, and the team was ready… preparation was super important.”
NASA’s Zena Cardman,who commanded the crew’s return flight with SpaceX,affirmed that the space station is equipped and also possible for medical contingencies. She noted that NASA “made all the right decisions” in prioritizing crew safety and canceling a planned spacewalk, which woudl have been her first.
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui expressed surprise at how effectively their preflight training prepared them to address the health concerns. “We can handle any kind of difficult situation,” Yui said. “This is actually very, very good experience for the future of human spaceflight.”
The four astronauts-Fincke, Cardman, Yui, and a fourth member whose name wasn’t immediately released-launched from Florida last August and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego last week, completing a 5 1/2-month mission – shorter than the originally planned duration. Their replacements, currently awaiting launch from mid-February, were on hand to welcome them back to Houston. NASA and SpaceX are working to accelerate the launch schedule.
“We were hoping to give them hugs in space, but we gave them hugs on Earth,” Fincke said with a smile.
Why did the astronauts return to Earth early?
the four astronauts returned to Earth early due to a medical emergency that arose on January 7th.The specific details of the emergency and the affected crew member were not disclosed.
Who was involved?
the crew consisted of NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman,Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui,and one other unnamed astronaut. The SpaceX team also played a role in the evacuation and subsequent launch preparations.
What happened?
A medical emergency occurred on the International Space Station, prompting NASA to evacuate the four-person crew. A portable ultrasound machine
