NASA revealed the American astronaut Wednesday who needed to be evacuated from the International Space Station last month because of an unknown medical incident, and the astronaut has released his first statement since returning to Earth.

The space agency identified the astronaut as Mike Fincke, who was part of the four-person Crew-11 mission that also consisted of NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

Details on the medical incident were not released but Fincke said his health status was quickly stabilized after getting assistance from NASA flight surgeons. 

“After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11 — not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station,” Fincke said in a statement.

The incident marked the first time the space agency had to carry out an evacuation from the ISS due to a medical issue in its 25-year history. The crew was initially scheduled to return in February.

Fincke thanked his colleagues on the mission and the medical team that helped him recover in San Diego, California, claiming "their professionalism and dedication ensured a positive outcome."

"I’m doing very well and continuing standard post-flight reconditioning at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston," he said. "Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. Thank you all for your support.”