No longer will the International Space Station’s commercial crew spacecraft be used just to carry astronauts. According to NASA, they will soon be used as temporary shelters or even fly crew home in space emergencies.
Crew members presently take shelter in the Russian Soyuz spacecraft in space emergencies and head back to Earth in them during medical emergencies that can’t be handled in orbit.
Things are set to change with the introduction of the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing CST-100 commercial crew spacecraft, designed to serve most of the Soyuz’s protective functions. The spacecraft will work like space-borne lifeboats in case of emergencies like electrical issues or ammonia leaks in the space station.
While the Russian Soyuz can seat three people at a time, the new vehicles will be able to seat up to seven crew members. The spacecraft first has a list of NASA requirements to meet like being able to start quickly even after lying idle for a long time to serve as lifeboats.
Both spacecraft are expected to start flights next year after undergoing Earth-based tests and performances in space without actual emergencies. Once NASA certifies the companies to fly operations missions, the spacecraft will remain docked at the station for months.
http://www.space.com/36564-commercial-crew-vehicles-space-station-lifeboats.html
Cover photo credit, and another great article on the subject: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/commercial-crew-spacecraft-will-offer-a-quick-escape-from-station
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