NASA and SpaceX said they are preparing to return the Crew-11 mission from the International Space Station on January 14, 2026. The agencies said the spacecraft will undock no earlier than the evening hours, depending on weather and recovery conditions.

Officials stressed that safety remains the priority. Therefore, mission teams continue to monitor weather patterns at the planned splashdown sites. At the same time, engineers are reviewing spacecraft systems to confirm readiness for re-entry and landing.

🧑‍🚀 Medical Review Prompted Schedule Decision

NASA previously said it was evaluating an earlier return for Crew-11 after identifying a medical concern involving one crew member. Although officials described the condition as stable, they decided that further evaluation on Earth would be appropriate.

Because of this, planners adjusted mission timelines while keeping operational safety intact. Medical teams continue to work alongside flight controllers to ensure a smooth transition from orbit to recovery. Meanwhile, NASA said it will not release personal medical details, in line with privacy protocols.

🛰️ Crew-11 Mission Activities on the Station

Crew-11 has spent several months aboard the space station supporting research and maintenance work. During the mission, astronauts assisted with scientific experiments, station systems checks, and daily operational tasks that support long-term human presence in orbit.

These missions play a key role in testing technologies for future exploration. Therefore, each return also helps NASA evaluate how extended spaceflight affects the human body. Lessons learned from Crew-11 will inform future missions and medical planning.

🌍 Recovery Planning and Weather Monitoring

The return process requires precise coordination. Teams must align undocking times, orbital paths, and recovery crew readiness. Because weather can change quickly, officials said timelines could still shift if conditions become unsafe.

Recovery crews will deploy to the splashdown area once final approval is given. After landing, astronauts will undergo standard medical checks before returning to NASA facilities. These steps help ensure crew health after months in microgravity.

🔭 Looking Ahead to Future Missions

NASA and SpaceX continue to work closely on crew rotation missions. While Crew-11 prepares to return, teams are also planning upcoming missions to maintain a constant presence aboard the station.

Officials said these partnerships remain essential to space exploration goals. As missions continue, NASA will apply operational and medical insights gained from Crew-11 to future crews and long-duration flights.