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
Tesla's Cybertruck, despite its numerous recalls and issues like exterior trim panels falling off and a potentially stuck accelerator pedal, has been chosen by NASA to perform a critical role during future crewed missions. This decision comes after Tesla's vehicle has taken over the task currently handled by the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a heavily armored military personnel carrier.
NASA, in a press event, stated that they find the Cybertruck faster and easier to drive while wearing gloves, and it eliminates the need to arrange for an MRAP crew to attend launches, which they consider wasteful. The SpaceX Crew-13 mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than September 12, 2026, will see four astronauts travel to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, with the Cybertruck taking over the role of the MRAP.
NASA's deputy associate administrator, Joel Montalbano, confirmed that they are comfortable with the Cybertruck due to its safety features, including stainless steel construction and shatter-resistant cabin windows. The astronauts for this mission include NASA’s Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, the Canadian Space Agency’s Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov.
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