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Its not so much that as it is their escape pod if the station has a catastrophic failure.

The specific answer to OP’s question is manoeuvring thrusters, a heat shield and a landing system.

The ability to evacuate in it.

They could emergency return to earth right away if needed.

the assigned crew has been trained to operate it.

the logistics [crew mass, crew capabilities] have been factored into S.O.P. of the mission.

Smaller.

One of them is a Boeing.

Just great, even more risk of debris.

Thickness of the walls.