The new RV will transport astronauts to the Moon and Mars launch.
The Astrovan is a legendary vehicle in space travel. The Astrovan is not the Chevy Astro that was used by families in the 1980s and 1990s. We are talking about NASA’s astronaut shuttle transfer van, which transported crews from their astronaut quarters to launch pad. Although it was retired with the shuttle fleets, NASA is preparing for future trips to Mars and the Moon.
NASA officially announced that companies could submit proposals for the new transportation system. There are eight seats, four of which will be fully dressed in space suits. NASA is looking for proposals that are innovative and filled with modern technology. The van will not only transport astronauts to the launchpad, but also offers a unique way to travel. It is also a vehicle representing NASA and has many historically significant roles to play.
An Airstream Excella was the previous Astrovan. It was designed to carry larger crews aboard the Space Shuttle. Before that, Apollo crews were transported to the pad by smaller vans with NASA markings. The journey of nine miles took around 20 minutes, with at least one stop. The iconic status of the van, particularly the silver Airstream, was not limited to transporting astronauts to the launchpad, but also the sight of it during the Space Shuttle era.
The Airstream Astrovan II, a transport vehicle for commercial crew astronauts of Boeing, was revealed in late 2019. The Astrovan II, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can only carry six people. It will transport commercial flights to the International Space Station. NASA’s next-generation Astrovan is capable of carrying six people.
NASA has made it clear that the Request For Information regarding the new vehicle is available to private companies. This can be a new or refurbished vehicle from NASA to provide launchpad transportation for Artemis crewmembers. By Friday, October 22, responses are due.