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SpaceX Is Betting on Cybertrucks to Save NASA Astronauts in an Emergency
Gizmodo • • science
Key Points:
- NASA's upcoming Crew-13 mission will use a Tesla Cybertruck instead of traditional military-grade MRAP vehicles to transport astronauts to safety in case of an emergency on the launchpad.
- The switch to Cybertrucks is driven by SpaceX's desire to manage resources independently and avoid conflicts over MRAP availability during launches.
- Despite multiple safety recalls and bans in Europe and the UK, the Cybertruck is now officially designated as the emergency escape vehicle for SpaceX launches, including NASA missions.
- The MRAP vehicles are heavily armored tactical transports designed to withstand explosions and chemical fires, whereas the Cybertruck relies on its stainless steel exoskeleton and armored glass for protection.
- NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins, Luke Delaney, Joshua Kutryk, and Sergey Teteryatnikov are scheduled to launch on September 12 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.
