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Problem With Rescuing the Stranded Astronauts: Spacesuits Aren't Compatible
There's a Problem With Rescuing the Stranded Astronauts: SpaceX and Boeing Spacesuits Aren't Compatible [futurism.com]
While NASA and Boeing maintain that Starliner is ready to take the two crew members down to the surface in the case of an emergency — despite the possibility of several thrusters malfunctioning [futurism.com] — even alternative rideshare options could expose Williams and Wilmore to considerable risks.
For one, Starliner's spacesuits aren't compatible with those used on board SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. That means if the pair were to return on board the SpaceX capsule currently docked to the station, which is one rescue plan under consideration by NASA, [futurism.com] they'd be flying without wearing a suit, as NASA confirmed during a teleconference call last week [arstechnica.com] — an unfortunate reality for the space agency that will likely factor into its upcoming decision.
While "launch and entry" or intravehicular (IVA) spacesuits, unlike extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, are worn as a precaution inside spacecraft in case of cabin pressure loss, they could still prove life-saving if an emergency were to occur. They can also help with temperature regulation, and in some cases collect data and pass it on to the spacecraft's software.
[....] Even if Williams and Wilmore were to be loaded into an already fully occupied Crew-8 Crew Dragon, [futurism.com] and they somehow had suits ready, Krishna explained, the capsule is only configured for four passengers, despite originally being designed to be occupied by a crew of seven. That means their suits wouldn't have anywhere to plug in anyway.
Fortunately, NASA has an entirely separate option to get the two astronauts back down to the ground: SpaceX's upcoming Crew-9 mission, which could be launched with just two, not four, crew members to make space for Williams and Wilmore, allowing them to return sometime in February. [futurism.com]
Boeing should build it to be as safe as their aircraft.
