Re:Astronauts escape malfunctioning Soyuz rocket
by 013a on Thursday October 11, 2018 @03:31PM
(#18196351)
The ISS isn't capable of being ran unmanned for any significant length of time. Yes they could escape in an emergency, but they're not going to be leaving "normally" until their replacements can arrive. And that won't be for a while, because as Chris explains in the video, there are no other launch vehicles ready to go beside the Soyuz, and it might be a while before the defect is identified and fixed.
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Re:Astronauts escape malfunctioning Soyuz rocket
by JshWright on Thursday October 11, 2018 @03:51PM
(#18196509)
They can't outstay the orbital lifespan of the capsule currently docked. They'll be leaving when it's time to leave (unless a new (empty) Soyuz is launched to replace it (something that has happened once before)).
Re:Astronauts escape malfunctioning Soyuz rocket
by mcv on Saturday October 13, 2018 @08:21AM
(#18207608)
Yeah, from what I understand, the options are basically to either get a new return vehicle up there before December, or abandoning the station.
It's a bad situation to be in. The end of ISS is certainly an option. I don't think they'll ever let astronauts stay there with an expired return vehicle.
Re:Astronauts escape malfunctioning Soyuz rocket
by JshWright on Saturday October 13, 2018 @09:34AM
(#18207845)
They might be willing to stretch it a little (but probably not much). The limiting factor is decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide used as propellant for the descent module. They can technically get down without it, but it would be a rougher (and riskier) ride.