The Soyuz-TM serves as both a ferry for Russian crews coming to and from the station as well as a "lifeboat" for any emergency escapes. Launched on a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur, each Soyuz can carry 2-3 people. The Soyuz spacecraft docked at the station also serve as a shelter when the main computer system on the station breaks down, depriving the station of power and life support. The spacecraft's thrusters can be used to maintain attiude control of the station in those circumstances.
| Length: | 7 m (23.1 ft.) |
| Mass: | 7,100 kg (15,600 lbs.) |
| Max. Diameter | 2.7 m (8.9 ft.) |
| Volume: | 10 m^3 (360 cu. ft.) |