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Suppose that a micrometeorite or a sudden failure renders one of the Soyuz inoperable, or that a routine inspection discovers a defect in one of them that makes it unsafe.

What is the protocol to follow in this case? I assume that the ISS is not under any threat and does not need immediate evacuation.

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The crew of the nonfunctional spacecraft would have to wait

without an escape capability until a Soyuz replacement or a Shuttle arrives (either of which could take days to months depending on timing).

(Nowadays read Crew Dragon for Shuttle)

Final Report of the ISS Independent Safety Task Force p.52

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    $\begingroup$ This would be a huge advertisement for SpaceX, if the crew had a week to evacuate from a problem during this time, and SpaceX was able to send a craft up there much faster than government agencies. $\endgroup$
    – Panzercrisis
    Apr 16, 2021 at 14:14
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    $\begingroup$ @Panzercrisis it would be interesting to know how fast they could turn one around. $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Apr 16, 2021 at 14:18
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    $\begingroup$ @DarrelHoffman they plan the supplies so that any one supply ship can be missed without causing a huge problem. $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Apr 16, 2021 at 15:56
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    $\begingroup$ @Panzercrisis don't put bad ideas in Elon's head, he has an abundance of those already $\endgroup$
    – llama
    Apr 16, 2021 at 17:14
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    $\begingroup$ @llama So it's Elon drilling holes in Soyuz after all $\endgroup$
    – OON
    Apr 16, 2021 at 19:10

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