NASA puts astronauts’ lives in the hands of Tesla’s flaky Cybertruck
Muskmobiles subject to 11 recalls get the launchpad rescue mission currently handled by vehicles that can survive land mine blasts
In a recent event, NASA announced they will be using Tesla's Cybertruck as a rescue vehicle for astronauts on upcoming crewed missions. Despite the Cybertruck being recalled multiple times for various issues, such as exterior trim panels falling off and a potentially stuck accelerator pedal, NASA deems the rust-prone vehicle suitable for the job.
This marks a shift from the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles currently employed, which are heavily armored military personnel carriers designed to survive small arms fire and mine explosions. The Cybertruck, made of stainless steel, boasts shatter-resistant cabin windows and glass roof, and its faster, easier-to-drive design appeals to NASA.
The decision was made as part of the preparations for SpaceX Crew-13, a mission set to launch astronauts to the International Space Station no earlier than 12 September 2026. This shift in vehicle choice is aimed at eliminating the need for an MRAP crew to attend launches, which NASA views as wasteful given the SpaceX's own method of launchpad rescue using Cybertrucks.
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