In article ,
says...
No, it looks like 4 is the mandated max capacity, not what NASA actually
intends to use.


I don't think NASA plans to ever use more than 3 seats. That's why
Boeing applied for (and got) permission to sell 'spare' seats to
tourists.


Actually, NASA specified four seats on the crewed vehicles from the
beginning so that some time in the future they can increase the ISS crew
size from six to seven. One additional crew member would allow more
science experiments to be performed.

NASA ANNOUNCES NINE COMMERCIAL CREW FLIGHT ASSIGNMENTS, MORE TO COME
FROM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
By Marcia Smith | Posted: August 3, 2018 2:39 pm ET | Last Updated:
August 3, 2018 2:39 pm ET
https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/n...mmercial-crew-
flight-assignments-more-to-come-from-international-partners/

From above:

Once the commercial crew systems are operational, it will be
possible to increase the size of the crews who remain aboard
ISS for long-duration (4-6 month) missions from six to seven.
That was the original plan: three from Russia and four from
NASA and its European, Canadian and Japanese counterparts.

It's a bit odd though that both SpaceX and Boeing went beyond the
minimum requirement and both picked seven as the maximum number of crew
in each capsule design. Makes me wonder if that was coincidence or if
this was always some sort of unwritten requirement that was communicated
verbally.

Jeff
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