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Two Soyuz, actually. They need two because the ISS now has a six person crew and one Soyuz has only space for three people. Using the Space Shuttle would also
by ugh 15y ago
Two Soyuz, actually. They need two because the ISS now has a six person crew and one Soyuz has only space for three people.
Using the Space Shuttle would also not be practical because you can’t swap it out. Those Soyuz don’t stay permanently attached to the ISS, they are swapped out whenever a new Soyuz arrives (every few months). The Soyuz spacecraft is only rated for six months in space (the Space Shuttle is likely rated for much, much less time).
- ben1040 15y agoTwo Soyuz, actually. They need two because the ISS now has a six person crew and one Soyuz has only space for three people. Also, I had no idea until just now that each seat is for a specific person, because the Soyuz seat is custom-fitted for its user to protect them against the forces involved. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/astronauts/journals_anderson_ch6.html http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/astronauts/journals_ande...