Posts: 951
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000

posted 06-26-2026 03:12 AM               

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quote:

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Originally posted by Jim Behling:
Shuttle had no backups.

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There were backups for most Payload Specialists. There was also a backup EVA crew member for Hubble servicing flights, Greg Harbaugh was the back up for STS-61.

When Dave Griggs had his accident they used the last flow PLT, John Blaha to fill the PLT spot. So we can guess they would have done the same with a CDR if the same thing had happened. Glad we never had to find out.

Posts: 322
From:
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 06-27-2026 05:52 AM            

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The closest was Rick Sturckow filling in for Mark Kelly during training sessions while he dealt with the aftermath of the shooting of his wife, Gabby Gifford's. Had the situation been different I imagine we would have gotten Sturckow flying the mission, which was similar to the time pilots have been replaced (Dave Griggs — also Jeff Ashby was replaced by Kent Rominger on STS-85, Paul Lockhart replacing Gus Loria on STS-113) — an astronaut who served the same role on a similar profile mission would be called to fly it.

But Artemis II, III and IV all are vastly different missions – each unique, and with a significant amount of time between each mission. In that context a backup makes a lot of sense.

Posts: 615
From: Maryland
Registered: May 2010