On Apr 16, 5:40*pm, Pat Flannery wrote:
I hadn't thought of that, but it's a very good point.
The two-Soyuz concept actually makes more sense in that regard.

But this still doesn't addres what the point of the Orion is.

The Russians will continue to service their three cosmonaut slots
using a rotating series of Soyuz craft. So they are accounted for in
terms of evac needs. Once Dragon (or others) comes online, the
Americans will stop using a second Soyuz, and start using a rotating
series of Dragon craft. So they are accounted for in terms of evac
needs.

Who's left? Everyone has a seat. Who are the mystery travellers who
need the six-seats on Orion Lite? Did Canadarm2 become sentient and
now requires emergency evac in case of fire?