NASA puts Crew-13's launch-pad escape in the hands of the 11-times-recalled Cybertruck

Key Points:

• For the upcoming SpaceX Crew-13 mission, NASA will use a Cybertruck as the emergency rescue vehicle for astronauts, replacing the traditionally used heavily armored Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs).
• NASA cites logistical benefits for choosing the Cybertruck, including avoiding resource conflicts and benefiting from the vehicle's quicker speed and easier drivability while wearing gloves.
• Despite these advantages, the Cybertruck lacks the durability and armor of MRAPs and has faced 11 safety recalls from the NHTSA, raising concerns about its reliability in an emergency evacuation scenario.
• The Crew-13 mission, scheduled for no earlier than September 12, 2026, includes NASA astronauts, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, and a Roscosmos cosmonaut, who will join Expedition 75 on the ISS for scientific research supporting future Moon and Mars missions.
• Expedition 75’s research will focus on areas such as in-space manufacturing, AI- and augmented-reality-assisted health checks, and bioprinting human tissue to advance space exploration technologies.