NASA wants a new electric Astrovan to compete with SpaceX's and Blue Origin's rides
Fox News
NASA has issued a request for information asking for ideas for a new vehicle to ferry Artemis program astronauts to the launch pad. The space agency is looking for either an all-new vehicle or a way to upgrade the Shuttle-era model.
NASA is preparing to begin sending Astronauts back into space on official government missions as part of the Artemis Moon landing program in the coming years, but first it needs a way to get them to the launch pad.
The previous Astrovan, which is a coverted Airstream Excelle RV technically known as the Astronaut Transfer Vehicle that entered service in 1983 and has been on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center since the end of the Shuttle program in 2011 alongside its predecessor, a Clark-Cortez motorhome that was used from Appolo 7 through the Space Shuttle Challenger's maiden flight in 1983.
The RFI calls for a vehicle with the capacity for on driver, four suited-up Flight Crew Members, and three additional staff. There also needs to be room for six equipment bags, cooling units, and two cubic feet per passenger for miscellany. At least two large doors for entry/egress and emergency exit are also required.