Astronauts' Safety and ISS Operations in Case of Supply Cargo Failures

The International Space Station (ISS) is a remarkable testament to international cooperation and technological advancement. Ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts is paramount. A critical factor in this is the availability of supplies, which are crucial for maintaining the station's functions and ensuring the health of the crew. This article explores what would happen in the event of a prolonged supply cargo failure and how the ISS can be managed and secured in such a scenario.

Current Provisions and Scenarios

The ISS is provisioned with an ample supply of provisions that can last for an extended period. For instance, in 2014/2015, despite three separate cargo flight failures from three different providers, the station still had ample time to receive replenishments. At that time, the ISS was stocked with over a year’s worth of supplies, providing a buffer even when flights were delayed.

What Happens in Case of Supply Failure

In the event of a supply cargo failure, the ISS has several contingency plans in place to ensure the safety and functionality of the station. One of the primary concerns is the well-being of the astronauts. Fortunately, there are always enough seats on the attached Soyuz spacecraft to facilitate an emergency return to Earth if necessary.

Emergency Response

If all supply cargo deliveries fail, the astronauts and cosmonauts would be safely evacuated using the Soyuz spacecraft. This is a standby mode designed to ensure crew safety in the event of an emergency. Prior to returning to Earth, the Soyuz would be prepared for an assured crew return (ACR), a mode that allows the spacecraft to quickly maneuver back to Earth if the situation becomes critical.

Contingency Plans and Standby Mode

Should a supply cargo failure occur, the station would be put into an uncrewed mode to ensure its safety. This mode involves shutting down non-essential systems and securing the station to prevent any potential damage. Meanwhile, ongoing experiments requiring regular maintenance would have to be suspended or temporarily halted to conserve resources.

Future Crew Capabilities

Looking ahead, the ISS will benefit from advancements in crewed spacecraft. SpaceX and Boeing are expected to launch their crewed capsules in 2018-2019. These capsules, unlike the Soyuz, offer redundancy in return capability, enhancing the safety and security of the crew in the event of supply failures.

Re-occupancy and Recovery

With the situation stabilized, a crew would return to the ISS to thoroughly inspect and restore the station. This process may take a few months or even weeks, depending on the extent of the supply failure and the state of the ISS systems. Once cargo services resume, the station will regain its full operational capability.

In conclusion, the ISS is equipped with robust contingency plans to handle supply cargo failures. The safety of the astronauts is the top priority, with the ISS designed to respond flexibly to ensure their well-being. As technology advances, these plans will continue to evolve, providing an ever-strengthened layer of protection for the astronauts and the continued success of the ISS.