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To: PatriotCJC
I don’t get it. Where do the other astronauts sit?

During ascent and landing four astronauts sit on the flight deck - the Mission Commander (left seat) and Pilot (right seat) up front - those seats are in place, then two Mission Specialists behind them (those seats, which are offset to the left to allow one of the Mission Specialists to see between the MC and Pilot) are not present in the picture. They're also removed and stowed after ascent to provide more space, especially to view the cargo bay and operate the Canadarm).

Up to four astronauts can sit on the mid-deck, below the flightdeck. Those seats are removed and stowed during flight as well. So eight astronauts total. There has never been an ascent with more than seven astronauts, but at least one flight (space station return mission) with eight aboard.
14 posted on 07/06/2011 5:17:25 PM PDT by tanknetter
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To: tanknetter

Interesting - THANKS! Good for posterity since the Space program is DEAD!


15 posted on 07/06/2011 5:19:39 PM PDT by PatriotCJC (Keep your powder dry!)
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