SpaceX is readying its Crew Dragon capsule to receive an upgrade that will allow it to transport up to five International Space Station crew members in an emergency.
In the event of an ISS evacuation – due to a catastrophic failure or some other kind of emergency – SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft would be modified to transport five crew members safely back to Earth. The spacecraft, currently designed to ferry up to four astronauts, would need to be refitted in order to accommodate the additional crew member.
SpaceX is currently testing the Crew Dragon capsule for regular crew missions to the ISS. The spacecraft carries food, water and other supplies to the station as well as astronauts and scientific experiments. The Crew Dragon is designed to deliver up to seven passengers, so it can easily be outfitted to provide transport for five individuals.
SpaceX has made numerous improvements to the Crew Dragon since the start of its development in 2010 including revised safety systems, the addition of a rear window and upgraded interior amenities. The modifications made for an emergency evacuation would improve the Crew Dragon further, allowing it to carry five astronauts and all their support equipment.
The spacecraft modification process would involve adjusting the configuration of the capsule, as well as removing existing cargo storage and rearranging the seating arrangement. The seats and other equipment also would need to be fireproofed to ensure optimal safety.
Though the Crew Dragon has yet to be used to transport crew members to ISS, SpaceX is already preparing for the possibility of an emergency evacuation. The company has been testing its spacecraft as part of the Dragon 2 mission and has received approval from NASA to start higher altitude flight tests.
SpaceX is constantly looking for innovative ways to improve the Crew Dragon to ensure the safety and success of future crewed missions. The emergency evacuation refitting will be an important part of giving passengers the earliest possible escape option in the event of any emergency.
