New Astronaut Transportation Vehicle Will be 'Zero-Emission'
NASA has posted a Request for Information (RFI) as they look for a new astronaut transportation vehicle for the Artemis program. And, as the agency continues to promote its green bona-fides, one of the stipulations is that it be a "zero-emission" vehicle.
Most of us remember the modified Clark-Cortez motorhome was used to transport Apollo-era crews to the launch pad, and later the modified Airstream Excella motorhome, popularly known as the Astrovan, that was used from STS-9 through the final Space Shuttle mission (STS-135). That vehicle is currently on display at the KSC Visitor Center in Florida.
But now, the agency is looking for a new astronaut transfer vehicle. According to the RFI:
In accordance with the Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks, the Artemis CTV shall be a zero-emission vehicle, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric.
Be designed and manufactured in accordance with the current National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Standards.
NASA KSC will provide exterior markings/artwork to indicate the CTV is the Artemis Crew Transportation Vehicle and such markings/artwork will be approved by key NASA KSC stakeholders prior to fabrication and installation.
The vehicle must be able to accommodate eight people, including a driver, four Fully suited Flight Crew Members, one Suit Technician, one Flight Operations Director (FOD), and one Protective Services Agent.
The astronaut transportation vehicle also has to be large enough to accomodate all of the associated equipment for the crew, and sufficiently large doors (approximately 24 to 36 inches wide) and provisions for all passengers and fully suited crew members to easily ingress, sit in & egress the CTV (Crew Transport Vehicle).
The RFI is open to "all interested parties, including all socioeconomic categories of Small Businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Institutions (MI), and members of the underserved communities as defined by Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity And Support For Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government."
Companies have until October 25 to provide information to NASA.
(Source: NASA. Public Domain image)