NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke Reveals Speech Loss During ISS Mission
Mike Fincke, a four-time space veteran, suffered a sudden loss of speech while aboard the International Space Station on January 7. The retired Air Force colonel was dining and preparing for a planned spacewalk the next day when the episode began.
On-orbit incident
Fincke lost the ability to speak without any pain. The episode lasted about 20 minutes.
His six crewmates were alarmed and alerted flight surgeons on Earth within seconds.
Medical response and testing
The station’s ultrasound device was used during the emergency. Doctors ruled out a heart attack and confirmed he was not choking.
Fincke flew back to Earth and underwent extensive testing at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. He says he felt fine immediately afterward and remains well.
Investigations under way
NASA is reviewing other astronauts’ medical records for any similar events. Officials are still probing possible causes.
One line of inquiry examines whether his cumulative 549 days in weightlessness played a role.
Mission impact
The medical event forced the cancellation of a scheduled spacewalk. That excursion would have been Fincke’s tenth.
It would also have been the first spacewalk for crewmate Zena Cardman. Cardman and two others returned to Earth early on January 15.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 7 | Sudden speech loss aboard the ISS |
| January 15 | Early return to Earth by three crewmembers via SpaceX |
Fincke’s remarks and background
Fincke, 59, described the episode as striking like a “very fast lightning bolt.” He told The Associated Press from Johnson Space Center.
He identified himself publicly late last month to address speculation. He expressed regret about mission disruptions but said teammates reassured him.
- Age: 59.
- Rank: Retired Air Force colonel.
- Spaceflights: Four missions, 549 days in microgravity.
- Time into mission: About five and a half months.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developing details as NASA continues its review. The agency has not yet determined a definitive cause.
The NASA astronaut Mike Fincke account of speech loss during an ISS mission has prompted fresh medical scrutiny. He remains hopeful about future flights.
