Astronauts Say Space Station's Ultrasound Machine Was Critical During Medical Crisis

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/emergencymedicine/emergencymedicine/119528...

Published: Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:41:51 -0500

Astronauts from the Crew-11 mission evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) last week said during their first public appearance that a portable ultrasound machine was extremely useful during a crew member's health problems[1]. They started using the ultrasound machine on January 7, the first day of health complications[1]. The device was not only used to solve the crisis, but the astronauts also used it to regularly check changes in their bodies in a state of weightlessness[1]. Astronaut Fincke emphasized that the ultrasound device was so useful that it should be on every future flight into space[1]. Cardman said the ISS is as prepared as possible for various types of emergencies, and she said NASA made the right decision by prioritizing crew health[1].