I'd still like to see research into a "Big Soyuz"
lifeboat version similar in concept to the old "Big Gemini" idea. I think it'd be possible to expand the descent module to allow more than 3 people to make a reentry. It'd be cramped but in a lifeboat situation, I don't think they'd care.
If they could decrease the size of the instrument module, they could possibly increase the size of the descent module without gaining too much weight. The increased capacity would be only for descents so it's possible they could use the existing Soyuz booster. If they wanted to carry tourists up in the thing, they'd probably have to upgrade the Soyuz booster or man-rate the Aurora.
