Blog Model X to Carry Astronauts to Launchpad for ‘Demo-2’ Mission

In two weeks, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to carry astronauts for the first time and transport to the launchpad will naturally be a Tesla.

“Here’s some Tesla news that everyone should love,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine posted on Twitter. “Check out the Model X that will carry Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the launchpad for the Demo-2 mission!”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1260667420777353216

The Model X is clad in NASA’s insignia on the doors, and the agency’s resurrected logo across the top of its rear window.

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are the astronauts making the first flight. They entered quarantine on Wednesday ahead of a May 27 mission on a SpaceX Dragon to the International Space Station.

 

[Jeff Hudson]

I wonder if Tesla needed to modify the seating to create space in order to accommodate the astronauts and their equipment?

 

[Uncle Paul]

Probably not. They will ride in the back seats, with plenty of headroom. Tesla space suits and helmets are not as big and bulky as the Astronauts previously need to wear in other capsules.

Car will probably have a driver and support person to assist them getting in and out if they are attached to any gear.

Falcon Wing Doors seem to be designed specifically for this purpose

 

[Jeff Hudson]

I agree Uncle Paul. I still have fond memories of the Gemini and Apollo astronauts lugging around their cooling units while wearing their bulky space suits.

 

[tomgauger]

What? No more Airstream ride to the pad?

 

[LisaW]

CYBERTRUCK!!!

 

[e-FTW]

The first 6m30s of this NASA video from last month shows the dress rehearsal and the crew getting (quite comfortably) into the Model X: https://images-assets.nasa.gov/vide...ry_Dress_Rehearsal_re-edit-3246949~medium.mp4

There is the arrival at (27:34) and departure from (48:00) the pad. If you want more time stamps, head over here: SpaceX F9 - Comm Crew DM-2 - LC-39A

 

[Spence]

I wonder if they said “Cool... we get to ride in a Tesla!”?

 

[ecarfan]

Bob and Doug have flown on the Space Shuttle so they have had way cooler rides than anything Tesla could possibly provide.