What Vehicle Should Bring Astronauts to the Launch Pad? You Can Help NASA Choose

Genevieve Fraser
· 4 min read
Anyone who has ever watched a NASA space launch knows the thrill of seeing the astronauts and crew motor out to the Space Shuttle. 
Well, if you want to be a
part of history
, NASA is in need of proposals for a new astromobile, presently a sort of
RV
, which transports the crew to the launchpad.
The Astrovan has been used to transport astronauts to the launch pad since 1984.

What is the astromobile and how will it be used?

According to a
NASA
press release, the astromobile is the vehicle on the ground that transports astronauts to the Shuttle launch pad.
The impetus for its design revamp is the Artemis II mission to the moon. Artemis will see the first woman and first person of color land on the moon’s surface aboard the Orion spacecraft powered by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
The vehicle will need enough space to haul a total of eight people, four of whom would be fully suited up. Information on
SAM.gov
, an official website of the U.S. government, details a variety of further required specs for the automobile’s design.
For example, the vehicle needs an entry door and emergency exit door, both between 24 and 36 inches wide. A seat at the front or back of the vehicle must be included for a Protective Services Agent.
In terms of gear storage, the vehicle needs to have space for a number of equipment bags, ice-based cooling units, and two cubic feet of personal storage per passenger.
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What else is NASA looking for in their new astromobile?

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NASA explains that the astromobile design proposals must "be unique, embrace new technology, and visually embody Artemis to the public."
According to
The Drive
, NASA’s current ground transport vehicle, the Astrovan, is a modified Airstream RV. It has been the transport vehicle for Space Shuttle crews since 1984. As such, NASA’s press release noted the organization’s intention for the new version to "build upon its heritage while modernizing for a new generation."
SAM.gov notes that NASA is open to three fundamental options: a non-commercially designed and produced vehicle, a modification of a commercial vehicle, or a refurbishment of the pre-existing Airstream Astrovan.
It does specify that the new astromobile needs to be a zero-emission vehicle, powered by battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric technology. Given President Biden’s commitment to
lowering fuel emissions
among new cars in America, and the fact that many automakers are
pledging to go fully electric
, this makes sense.
As far as exterior designs and branding, NASA and the Kennedy Space Center will provide decoration and decals, so those need not be included in proposals.

How to submit proposals for the project

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The contract opportunity posted on SAM.gov is open to any and all private companies interested, including small businesses.
NASA accepted questions regarding the proposal via email until October 8th, and is therefore no longer answering questions.
Although NASA specifies that interested parties have until October 22, 2021 to turn in their ideas, the SAM.gov page that provides extensive proposal criteria and email instructions for submission gives October 25 at 12:00 pm EST as the cut-off.
Among other submission criteria, SAM.gov specifies that the file must be an Adobe PDF no larger than 10MB.
Firms or businesses must send a "Capability Statement" which details organization size, equipment needs, and technical requirements, among other items. In addition, organizations can include a Portfolio of prior similar projects.
It seems that we might expect to see the new astromobile sometime after June 2023, as SAM.gov lists this as the latest date that the chosen party can deliver their vehicle to NASA.
While the new and exciting astromobile design remains a mystery, getting cheap car insurance shouldn't.
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