Nancy Guthrie kidnapper's possible looks revealed by forensic artist after reviewing surveillance footage The mission’s purpose is to replace the astronauts who were forced to return to Earth early in January, after a crewmember experienced a medical episode. This was the first time in 65 years of space flight that NASA ever cut a mission short for health reasons. The space agency has not disclosed the identity of the ailing astronaut, nor what their medical condition was. The crew contained two Americans and a Russian. CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA/Shutterstock The ISS has functioned with a diminished crew of three people — one American and two Russians– and typically operates with seven astronauts on board, according to Space.com NASA had put spacewalks on hold as it awaited the new crew members to come on board. This is Meir and Fedyaev’s second time in space. Meir participated in the first-ever all-female spacewalk in 2019. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up!