Four crew members from the International Space Station returned to Earth early Thursday after a medical problem cut short their mission. A SpaceX Dragon capsule landed in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California, at 08:41 GMT, according to images released by NASA. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov were seen leaving the capsule alongside Americans Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman. NASA said the return was planned and did not constitute an emergency. The agency declined to provide details, saying the crew member involved was fine. The team had spent about five months in orbit and conducted hundreds of hours of research. Officials said the crew's return allowed for comprehensive medical examinations on the ground,highlighting the station's ability to deal with unforeseen events.
