Post by Alain FournierPost by SnidelyWatch this space, where The Running Man advised that...
Post by The Running Man<https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/06/nasa-indefinitely-delays-return-of-starliner-to-review-propulsion-data/>
Looks like Starliner isn't returning to Earth anytime soon.
It's likely that a return will happen within 45 days of launch (see your
reference).
Also, if Butch and Suni don't return within that time, I would expect that
the station will require resupply somewhat sooner than the current
schedule. There is a possibility of a Crew Dragon returning with 5
astronauts (it's been studied, AIUI) at the cost of not taking all the
down-cargo; I think that 6 astronauts is less likely without an interior
re-fit. ISTR that the design allowed for up to 7 astronauts in 2 rows, but
the 4 + cargo configuration was a better fit for NASA's plans.
I'm not sure if "Crew Dragon" can fly uncrewed. That is, could a Dragon
capsule configured to carry a crew, go dock with ISS without a crew? I see no
reason why not, but that doesn't mean it is possible.
Alain Fournier
The problem is having a Crew Dragon ready and a Falcon to loft it. The
normal Dragon operation is autonomous. Crew 9 is expected to go aloft
in August. Polaris Dawn will go before then, but has reconfigured the
forward hatch.
Falcon boosters seem to be turned in 2-3 weeks, but you need a second
stage as well. I don't know how far ahead those are. There may be
differences in the Uppers used for crew, although I imagine SpaceX
wouldn't want to do that.
My guess is that a rescue Dragon would launch with a CDR and PLT just
to make sure the flight has contingencies covered, but I'm neither NASA
nor SpaceX.
/dps
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