AI Generated Image
SpaceX Replacing MRAPs with Cybertrucks Beginning with Crew-13
SpacePolicyOnline.com • • science
Key Points:
- NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch Crew-13 to the International Space Station on September 12, with Tesla Cybertrucks replacing traditional MRAP vehicles for emergency crew evacuation on the launch pad.
- SpaceX opted for Cybertrucks to avoid resource conflicts during simultaneous NASA and SpaceX launches and because Cybertrucks offer faster acceleration to exit blast danger zones.
- Crew-13 will feature NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins (commander) and Luke Delaney (pilot), Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov, with Watkins becoming the first NASA astronaut to fly twice on a Crew Dragon capsule.
- The launch was moved up from November to September to maintain NASA's typical six-month ISS mission schedule, supported by stable funding including $10 billion allocated by Congress through the OBBBA legislation.
- Recent air leaks in the Russian segment of the ISS, which caused crew members to shelter in Crew Dragon in June, have been resolved using temporary repairs, and there is currently no ongoing leak.
