what type of spacecraft is used to transport astronauts
The type of spacecraft used to transport astronauts is usually a crewed spacecraft or crew capsule. Common modern examples include SpaceX Crew Dragon and Boeing Starliner , both designed to carry astronauts to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station.
Quick answer
- Crewed spacecraft is the general term.
- Crew capsule is a common design type.
- SpaceX Crew Dragon and Boeing Starliner are current examples used for astronaut transport.
In simple words
Astronauts are typically transported in spacecraft built for human spaceflight , meaning they have life support, heat shields, and safe reentry systems. These vehicles are different from uncrewed cargo ships, which carry supplies instead of people.
Examples
| Spacecraft | Use |
|---|---|
| Crew Dragon | Transports astronauts to and from the ISS |
| Starliner | Designed to carry astronauts to low Earth orbit and the ISS |
| Soyuz | Has long been used to transport crews to space |