Posted by Ray Katz in NASA, current
Smaller crews for NASA’s new spacecraft?
Orion: Now with fewer seats!
Reportedly, NASA will be removing 2 seats from the new Orion spacecraft, leaving it with the ability to bring only 4 astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). In short, because the ISS will hold a crew of 6, Orion will be unable to fully rotate a crew.
Could still be used for 6 person flights
Given the overall size and dimensions of Orion, it could be re-configured for 6 seats on other missions. But, because of weight concerns NASA has decided to use the smaller configuration for ISS flights. This will allow Orion to carry more cargo.
No landing on land…for now
Another problem facing Orion, at least in the short run: landing. The original plan calls for Orion to come down on land or water. For now, however, Orion is limited to old-fashioned splashdowns…in the ocean.
In any case, NASA’s new spacecraft won’t fly until 2015. And the shuttle is retiring next year. We’re approaching some dry years for American manned space flight.
