NASA Receives First Canoo Electric Vehicles for Astronaut Transportation

NASA has recently announced the delivery of its first three Canoo electric vehicles, specially designed to serve as Crew Transportation Vehicles (CTVs) for astronauts. These vehicles will transport astronauts and support personnel from their quarters to the launch pad, covering a distance of nine miles, in preparation for the upcoming Artemis moon missions.

Interior volume was a crucial factor considered by NASA when awarding Canoo the contract for their new CTVs in 2022. This is due to the fact that astronauts will be wearing their Orion crew survival system spacesuits during transportation. The three vehicles will accommodate four astronauts and support personnel, including a spacesuit technician. Additionally, they will carry specialized equipment required for the journey to Launch Pad 39B on the day of the launch.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA’s Artemis launch director, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between Canoo and NASA representatives. He emphasized that the focus was on ensuring the safety and comfort of the crews on their way to the launch pad before embarking on their journey to the Moon. Blackwell-Thompson believes that anyone who sees these new vehicles will share his sense of pride in this next endeavor of crewed Artemis missions.

NASA also had input in several aesthetic design considerations. Representatives from the Astronaut Office assisted in selecting the interior and exterior markings, colors, and even the wheel wells of the CTVs. This involvement ensures that the vehicles align with NASA’s vision and branding.

The Canoo CTVs will replace the Astrovans that have been in service since 1984. The Astrovans, based on modified Airstream motorhomes, have served their purpose for decades but are now being replaced to keep up with technological advancements.

Tony Aquila, Canoo’s CEO, expressed his excitement about being part of the Artemis missions and delivering NASA’s first zero-emission crew transportation vehicles specifically designed for missions. Aquila considers this a proud day for Canoo and all their partners who worked diligently to ensure the successful transportation of astronauts for the first nine miles of every launch.

Initially, the CTVs will be used for astronaut training exercises at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, in November 2024, these vehicles will play a crucial role in the Artemis II mission, transporting astronauts on the final earth-bound leg of their journey. The 10-day flight will take astronauts around the moon and back, marking a significant milestone in NASA’s program to establish a long-term presence on Earth’s satellite.

In conclusion, NASA’s acquisition of the Canoo electric vehicles marks an important step forward in astronaut transportation for the Artemis missions. With a focus on safety, comfort, and sustainability, these CTVs will replace the outdated Astrovans and provide a more efficient means of transporting astronauts to the launch pad. As NASA continues its efforts to explore and establish a presence on the Moon, these new vehicles represent a significant contribution to the success of future crewed missions.