Quote from: RandyP on 08/02/2018 07:18 pmWhy is NASA only naming 8 astronauts for the first 4 flights?I see the two on DM-2 and two on CFT-1 plus Ferguson, but aren't the post certification flights part of crew rotation. In which case I would expect 3 astronauts plus one Russian for each of the PCM flights?So 10 astronauts?Where are you getting 8 from? It should be 2 on DM-2, 1 or 2 plus Ferguson on CFT (unless they exercise the extended mission option), and then 4 total (at least 2 from NASA) on each of the PCM flights.
Why is NASA only naming 8 astronauts for the first 4 flights?I see the two on DM-2 and two on CFT-1 plus Ferguson, but aren't the post certification flights part of crew rotation. In which case I would expect 3 astronauts plus one Russian for each of the PCM flights?So 10 astronauts?
You would also have one Russian and one international astronauts on each of the PCM flight?
Additional crew members will be assigned by NASAs international partners at a later date.
Well, so much for diversity... .
Quote from: RIB on 08/03/2018 04:50 pmWell, so much for diversity... .Yeah, every one of them is a military pilot.
Quote from: gongora on 08/03/2018 05:19 pmQuote from: RIB on 08/03/2018 04:50 pmWell, so much for diversity... .Yeah, every one of them is a military pilot.There is some logic in having military pilots on the first flights of a spacecraft.
When are we likely to find out which Expeditions the particular astronauts are assigned to
Quote from: kdhilliard on 08/03/2018 06:16 pmWhen are we likely to find out which Expeditions the particular astronauts are assigned toI'm interested to see how they demarcate Expeditions going forwards, since there's no particular reason that Russian crew rotations would have to remain in sync with US/ESA/CSA/JAXA rotations.
Our background as test pilots and engineers was a consideration for this stage of these new vehicles. As far as other factors, you'll have to ask our boss! - Hopper
One of the reasons that we are in this position is because we have a background in flight test and space flying experience. We're able to adapt to a lot of different ways to operate a spacecraft. There is a significant collaboration between NASA and the companies to make these vehicles operate with relative ease. There is a constant feedback loop with regard to changes and improvements that might help in this goal. Each of us will specialize in one capsule before flying - Doug
The the astronaut office asks us if we have a preference, and they take that into consideration, but there are other factors like what the mission will entail and the level of experience. -Suni
Quote from: yg1968 on 08/02/2018 08:13 pmYou would also have one Russian and one international astronauts on each of the PCM flight?To be negotiated...and as always "it's complicated" in the case of the Russians.
The exact length for the first SpaceX flight is still being worked out. ISS is a busy place, so we have to make way for other traffic too. Right now we are expecting 2 weeks to 30 days. -Bob
Q: Is there a bathroom on the new commercial flights? dragon and starliner crewA: For Dragon, yes. -Bob
Quote from: erioladastra on 08/03/2018 04:44 pmQuote from: yg1968 on 08/02/2018 08:13 pmYou would also have one Russian and one international astronauts on each of the PCM flight?To be negotiated...and as always "it's complicated" in the case of the Russians.Are they balking at $82M per seat?
I wouldn't say there are any major differences. It's more subtle. The way they are laid out and how they operate are slightly different. For example, the Starliner has three seats in row and one at the feet of the other three, while the Dragon has all four seats in a row. - Doug
Q: would you please explain does SpaceX'es helmet visor open?A:The visor does open. We normally have it open on our way to the pad, but closed for launch and for entry. -Bob
Yes. There's two push buttons about where your chin is. They allow it to pop open whenever you need it to. - Doug
Q:To both the Starliner and Dragon crews. Will you be given the chance to fly the spacecrafts manually at some point during the missions or is it so heavily automated at this point that you wont get that opportunity? Congratulations and good luck on your missions!A:The details are still being worked out, but during the test flights, we expect to perform some checkout of all systems, including the manual flying! -Bob
Q: I'm a tall person who would love to travel to space someday. Do you know the max height for Crew Dragon and the CST-100 Starliner?A: My friend and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is a pretty tall guy and he fits in both vehicles. - Doug[For reference, Jeremy Hansen is about 6'2" (according to CBC).]
