The only time a capsule had to return back in an emergency (while in LEO) was Gemini 8. Even then, the crew could still splashdown not too far from a US recovery ship, even if it wasn't the one meant for it.
If there is a need to return a crew back to Earth, it's extremely unlikely it won't be able to choose a landing point (I wonder: maybe the CRV can splashdown).
A crew, once away from danger (in the station), will be safe inside the CRV and wait a few hours for a suitable landing place. Now, if a crewman needs to immediately return back for medical reasons, his problems might get worse if there is not even time to put him safely on a seat, because of the expected high G loads.
I vote for CRV: simple design, not much piloting and landing straight down without a need for a landing strip. Of course, it better not land in a crowded area.
Raoul
Space/Science » in reply to Disagree about the CRV
Re: CRV or x38
The whole thread (31 posts)
- Nasa Chief ...."Let's get back to basics"