NASA Selects Tesla Cybertruck to Evacuate Astronauts

For the first time in the history of space exploration, NASA has officially selected the Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup operated by SpaceX for the emergency evacuation of the Crew-13 mission crew. This unusual decision marks a major shift in the agency’s technological approach and is expected to significantly streamline preparations for future flights. Ixbt.com reports .

According to ixbt.com, NASA specialists had previously used military-grade MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) armored vehicles designed to operate in hazardous zones. This heavy equipment was known for its durability and could serve as reliable shelter even when stationary. For example, some doors on these vehicles weighed up to 272 kilograms.

Why Tesla Was Chosen

According to NASA representative Richard Jones, switching to an electric vehicle will help conserve essential resources and simplify operations. It will no longer be necessary to maintain a separate MRAP vehicle and its specialized crew, preventing resources from overlapping with other rocket launch operations.

The Cybertruck has reportedly already been successfully tested by SpaceX during its own flights. The electric pickup was found to be faster than traditional armored vehicles when escaping a hazardous area and considerably easier to operate. Interestingly, NASA made no special modifications to the vehicle for this mission.

Safety Concerns and Future Plans

Nevertheless, the reliability of an electric vehicle in emergencies remains an important topic of discussion. Tesla once praised the strength of the vehicle’s windows, but they shattered when struck by a metal ball during the presentation. In addition, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Cybertruck has so far been subject to 11 separate recall campaigns due to issues including a stuck accelerator pedal, detached wheels and inverter failures.

The SpaceX Crew-13 mission is scheduled to take place no earlier than September 12, 2026. The crew consists of NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, Joshua Kutryk of the Canadian Space Agency, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov.

After reaching the International Space Station (ISS), the international team will join Expedition 75. They will conduct scientific experiments involving materials production in space, AI, augmented-reality-based medical systems and the bioprinting of human tissues.