Mike Fincke, mysterious medical episode on the International Space Station: he temporarily lost the ability to speak

Astronaut Mike Fincke, a veteran of four space flights, experienced an alarming medical episode on the International Space Station (ISS), where he suddenly lost the ability to speak. The incident occurred on January 7, during dinner, before a scheduled spacewalk for the following day.

Fincke, at the age of 59, stated that he felt no pain and does not remember details, but his colleagues quickly intervened, calling for help from ground flight doctors. The episode lasted about 20 minutes, and after that, he felt fine. Doctors ruled out a heart attack and choking, but the causes remain unknown, being investigated in the context of the 549 days spent in microgravity. Fincke mentioned that NASA is analyzing the medical records of other astronauts to identify possible similar cases. Although he felt guilty for canceling the spacewalk, his colleagues assured him that he had not disappointed anyone. Optimistically, Fincke hopes to return to space one day.