NASA X-38X 38 spacecraft model. The Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) is a manned space vehicle which will stay, in dormant mode, permanently attached to the International Space Station. It will act as the Station's lifeboat and ensure the safe return of the Station crew to Earth in an emergency. The Crew Return Vehicle, which is under the programmed responsibility of NASA, will offer room for up to 6 astronauts. The configuration chosen by NASA for the CRV is a so