SpaceX Discloses Medical Procedure Ahead of Historic Crew-13 Launch

SpaceX has disclosed that a crew member underwent a surgical procedure shortly before the launch of its Crew-13 mission, according to Ars Technica.

The outlet reported that the medical intervention took place in the lead-up to liftoff, though the available reporting did not fully specify which crew member was involved or the exact nature of the procedure.

Crew-13 marked a historic milestone, with Jessica Watkins becoming the first Black woman to lead a crewed spaceflight mission, Ars Technica reported.

Mission proceeded as planned

The mission went ahead despite the disclosed medical issue, indicating that SpaceX and its mission partners assessed the crew member's condition as compatible with proceeding with the flight as scheduled.

Crewed missions typically undergo extensive medical screening in the days before launch, with contingency plans in place should a health issue arise. Ars Technica's report did not elaborate on any longer-term implications of the procedure for the mission or the crew member involved.