"Countdown to Splashdown: NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crew-11’s Return to Earth!"

NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crew-11 Mission Undocking from International Space Station

Date: January 9, 2026

NASA and SpaceX are set to undock the Crew-11 mission from the International Space Station (ISS) no earlier than 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. This decision comes as part of a strategic adjustment to the mission timeline, aimed at addressing a medical concern involving one of the crew members currently aboard the ISS.

Early Return Decision

On January 8, NASA announced the decision to expedite the return of the Crew-11 mission, which includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. The agency is closely monitoring the health of a crew member, who remains stable but requires a return to Earth sooner than initially planned. Due to medical privacy regulations, NASA has not disclosed further details regarding the individual’s condition.

Mission Timeline and Coverage

The Crew-11 mission’s timeline is as follows, with all times listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST):

• Wednesday, January 14

  • 3:00 p.m. – Coverage of hatch closure begins
  • 3:30 p.m. – Hatch closing
  • 4:45 p.m. – Undocking coverage begins
  • 5:00 p.m. – Undocking
• Thursday, January 15
  • 2:15 a.m. – Return coverage begins
  • 2:50 a.m. – Deorbit burn
  • 3:40 a.m. – Splashdown off the coast of California
  • 5:45 a.m. – Media news conference regarding the return to Earth

NASA and SpaceX will finalize the specific splashdown time and location as the undocking date approaches, taking into account various factors such as spacecraft readiness, recovery team preparedness, and prevailing weather and sea conditions.

Recovery Operations

The recovery operation for the Crew-11 mission will be meticulously coordinated. NASA’s recovery teams are prepared to ensure a safe and efficient retrieval of the crew upon splashdown. The spacecraft, a SpaceX Dragon, is designed for rapid recovery and transport back to land, allowing for a swift transition for the astronauts post-mission.

Stay Updated

For real-time updates and coverage details, NASA encourages the public to follow their social media channels, including the space station blog, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Additionally, those interested in receiving weekly updates from NASA can subscribe here.

As the Crew-11 mission approaches its conclusion, NASA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its astronauts while continuing to advance human space exploration. Further details regarding the mission and the health of the crew will be shared as they become available.