NASA’s Artemis 2 Astronauts to be Transported to SLS by Canoo’s Three Electric Vehicles
Canoo, an electric vehicle startup, has successfully transported its initial batch of vehicles to NASA. Three of the company’s Crew Transportation Vehicles (CTVs) have recently reached the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Despite their resemblance to lunar exploration vehicles, these vans are specifically engineered to transport astronauts to the launch pads at KSC, commencing with NASA’s upcoming Artemis 2 mission.
According to Canoo, the vans, which are based on the company’s current lifestyle vehicle design, can carry fully fit astronauts as well as flight support personnel and any equipment they may need. “The vehicles feature an exclusive interior and exterior design that provides astronauts and crew with comfort and safety during the nine-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center launch pad,” the company said, adding that it will share interior images of the vehicles at a later date. This year.
During the Artemis 2 mission, NASA launches its first crewed mission to the Moon since the end of the Apollo program in 1972. Four astronauts orbit the satellite during the 10-day flight. During Artemis 2, NASA plans to conduct additional tests on its Orion capsule and Space Launch System (SLS) superheavy rocket to ensure both spacecraft are safe for future manned missions to the lunar surface.
As for Cano, this is an opportunity for the automaker to gain interest in its EVs. In May 2022, the company warned investors about its cash reserves. It has since announced a deal with Walmart to supply the retailer with 4,500 electric cars. The company also supplied a test vehicle to the US military. Still, even if these agreements are in place, there is still a long way to go before achieving financial sustainability.
