Space Exploration - Space station crew not prepping for shutdown -- yet

The astronauts aboard the International Space Station say ground controllers are figuring out how best to leave the complex running in case it needs to be temporarily abandoned.

A Russian rocket carrying space station supplies failed during liftoff two weeks ago and crashed into Siberia. It's the same type of rocket used to launch people. Until Russian engineers can figure out what went wrong, all Soyuz launches are on hold.

A new crew was supposed to blast off this month. But the flight has been delayed until at least the beginning of November.

Astronaut Michael Fossum said Monday he and his crew will leave the space station in the best possible condition, if their replacements have not arrived by mid-November and it must be vacated.

Provided by PhysOrg.com