Roscosmos coordinated with partner agencies aboard the International Space Station to develop contingency procedures designed to protect the crew’s safe return to Earth in the event of a crisis before the arrival of the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft on February 22. Officials indicated that these measures were crafted to guarantee a secure ascent and deorbit if an unexpected fault or operational anomaly were encountered while the ISS and its visiting vehicles remained in service. The intention was not to alarm but to ensure preparedness for any scenario that could threaten crew safety during dockings, undocking, or orbital maneuvers that intersect with routine ISS operations.
Officials clarified that the crew on the affected mission would be returned aboard Soyuz MS-23, which would dock with the ISS in an unmanned configuration on February 22, should the need arise to bring the crew home efficiently and safely after the prior mission encountered an emergency. The decision reflects a cautious approach to mission assurance, balancing the ongoing scientific program with robust safety margins that account for potential contingencies in a spaceflight environment where every minute of orbital activity carries implications for crew welfare and mission integrity.
Roscosmos reiterated at length that both the ISS and the Soyuz systems are currently operating within expected parameters. Yet, in the event of a critical subsystem failure or a propulsion anomaly, the team would implement an established evacuation sequence that prioritizes crew safety and a controlled return to Earth before the MS-23 docking crosspoint is completed. This approach emphasizes redundancy and flexible mission planning, providing a clear path to a safe deorbit if standard procedures are compromised or if on-orbit conditions degrade below acceptable thresholds.
Looking ahead to potential escalation paths, Francisco Rubio could be transported back to Earth aboard the Crew Dragon vehicle, while the remaining crew could potentially be serviced by Soyuz MS-22 as a separate landing option. The planned logistics would be adjusted to ensure one spacecraft remains ready for contingency needs while expedition work proceeds on schedule. This arrangement underscores an emphasis on preserving operational viability and crew survivability by maintaining parallel options for return while not interrupting core mission objectives.
The government agency stressed that landing two cosmonauts via the MS-22 scenario could help regulate on-board environmental conditions during an evacuation. Lowering interior temperature and controlling humidity would contribute to crew comfort and safety during the descent, reducing the risk of thermal stress and providing a more manageable reentry profile under adverse conditions. The overall approach prioritizes human factors in autarkic mission planning, acknowledging that environmental stability on board can influence decision time, crew performance, and the likelihood of a successful outcome under pressure.
Yuri Borisov, a former head of Roscosmos, confirmed that the MS-22 habitation scenario would be reviewed for unmanned return if required, ensuring that unmanned operations retain the capability to support a safe and controlled deorbit when necessary. This assessment process reflects ongoing risk management as new phases of the mission unfold, with authorities prepared to adjust the plan to accommodate evolving telemetry, hardware status, and mission priorities. The overarching stance remains one of preparedness, with contingency frameworks designed to protect the crew, preserve the integrity of the mission, and maintain confidence in the safety systems that govern human spaceflight from launch through landing.