[strela]

OK, so the orbiter was in the wrong orbit/inclination to make it to the ISS. What about using the Soyuz docked at the ISS as a ferry between the orbiter and the ISS? It holds 3 bodies so it would have taken 4 trips (with pilot) to get everyone off the orbiter.

I've not heard this option discussed at all.

[John Jamieson]

Soyuz could not have saved even 2. It could not have made the orbit change required.

[Chad Fairbanks]

ok... Orbiter couldn't get to ISS. Orbiter not fitted to dock with ISS. Soyuz fitted to dock with ISS... answer your question??? :0)

[Aaron0617]

I'll post here since I just heard this on the radio.

Japan had an astronaut planned to go on the March 1 shuttle flight. Japan has announced it will suspend all of their astronauts from US shuttle flights until they are deemed safe.

So, once again FreeRepublic has beaten Drudge on another story...Duh

[bonesmccoy]

the Soyuz vehicle has enough fuel to deorbit from ISS but not enough for multiple orbital plane changes in a "ferry" mode.

It is a nice thought, but the system is not built to handle this type of activity.

[Swordmaker]

OK, so the orbiter was in the wrong orbit/inclination to make it to the ISS. What about using the Soyuz docked at the ISS as a ferry between the orbiter and the ISS? It holds 3 bodies so it would have taken 4 trips (with pilot) to get everyone off the orbiter. I've not heard this option discussed at all.

The reason you have not heard it discussed is because the Soyuz is basically a "one-trip" lifeboat for the ISS. It can only leave and come down. It, like Columbia, does not have enough fuel to change orbits except to de-orbit and enter the atmosphere.

[jayef]

There's probably a reason why you haven't heard it discussed. It's called nonviability.