Do astronauts take (personal) weapons into space when they go? If so what sort?

Question

Just asking.

Answer 1

The Russian cosmonauts used to have a sawed-off shotgun with them in the capsule.

This wasn't so much for use while in space, but instead in case of the very real possibility that the capsule would land somewhere in the vast Kazakh forest instead of at the designated landing site.

UPDATE: The original cosmonauts had a Makarov pistol. Soyuz era and later astronauts had a special triple-barreled shotgun like survival firearm that can fire flares, shotgun shells or rifle rounds. The shoulder stock of the weapon folds out into a machete, useful for chopping wood.

Presumably, the ISS survival equipment also includes this weapon.

There's a picture of one here http://www.africaninspace.com/home/gallery/bolshoi/91.shtml

Answer 2

"I believe that is very true. Heck, they never do anything right, just like knowing for sure where their spacecraft will land. America is at least a little more detailed in what we do."

So the USA decides to land in the Pacific Ocean, Russia lands in Siberia. Siberia is a smaller target so the Russians must be doing something right. The Russians also have an old but reliable Soyuz vehicle for getting into space. The USA has the space shuttle - an old and unreliable vehicle.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I not really think they do, but, there is always a "Butt". At one time there may have been weapons, but, only for research to know what it would do in a Vacuum. But, this the only reason I would see for having a weapon. I figure "IF" a country tried to shoot them down, we would use some "high tech missile" to stop the assault, as any other country would do.
As mentioned above about the Russians, I believe that is very true. Heck, they never do anything right, just like knowing for sure where their spacecraft will land. America is at least a little more detailed in what we do.
"Shoot an arrow in the air, where it lands, I do not care".
But, America does try to know, only in a bad circumstance do we not know where our arrow land.

Answer 5

I bet not, y would there be a need for weapons in space?? Do u think an alien will come and invade their spacecraft? Get outta the science-fiction, ur too into it.

Answer 6

well if they do, those weapons would be very personalised in that veryfew people have them... the weapons would have to be special to fire in space and stuff... like zero gravity and near enough to a perfect, if not a perfect vaccuum
but i doubt that they take weapons up with them

Answer 7

Personal weapons? No way.

You can bet that some weapons have been taken on the "secret" shuttle missions, but they weren't "personal."

Answer 8

no, having a weapon on a space ship could be deadly for all

Answer 9

I doubt it, a gun in space would be dangerous.

Answer 10

I don't think they will be able to keep a handle on them