If there is an emergency on the Space Station, how do the crewmembers return safely to earth?

Question

Does NASA have some some form of backup shuttle always ready and waiting to go to the station (even if, isn't like a 3 day journey)? Or is there some backup shuttle on board? I've always wondered about that.

Answer 1

The ISS does have an emergency escape route -- Russian Soyuz capsules which are replaced every six months through normal crew rotation. It is there mainly for emergencies as it is very cramped, though you may remember that after the grounding of the U.S. Shuttle Fleet, the Soyuz became the main system of transportation used by international astronauts.

Answer 2

I was under the impression that they have a Russian transport module that is permanently docked with the ISS and that it could be entered and returned to earth in a reasonably safe time frame to enable the 3 astronauts who are always on the ISS to return if truly needed to get off the station in an emergency. That is why they only leave 3 astronauts on the ISS at any time.

Answer 3

NASA is currently working on a backup. One idea is to have escape pods. Another is to keep a stand-by shuttle-like craft in close proximity orbit. Another is to design sectional segregation into the space station. All solutions have their pro's and con's.

Answer 4

soyuz TMA capsule is always attached to the ISS in "standby" mode, in case of emergencies. operated in this configuration, the capsule has a lifespan of about 200 days before it has to be rotated out.because of this the vehicle is planned for a typical six-month changeout cycle.
Because the Soyuz is limited to three occupants, the ISS is also likewise restricted to that number of occupants,

Answer 5

Nope, the shuttle is it, they have to try to bring it down. There is no backup.

Answer 6

There is no. That is the problem. NASA is giving funds to anybody who has an idea on this problem.