NASA Is Looking For A Replacement For Astrovans, The Public Even Suggests Some Strange Ideas

Astrovan, will soon be retired by NASA. (photo: doc. NASA)

JAKARTA - NASA's efforts to find a replacement for the iconic Astrovan to carry astronauts on a new Moon rocket have opened Pandora's box. Many opinions from the public began to suggest the strangest vehicle, and added Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk to the mix.

Astronaut transfer vans, or Astrovans, were used to transport astronauts to and from launch pads during the Space Shuttle era. While his predecessor escorted crews of astronauts from several Apollo missions.

The shiny silver space shuttle era vehicle became so popular with the crew that astronauts reportedly objected to the replacement. Moreover, this vehicle has become part of the American space tradition.

However, NASA eventually found the 1983 Airstream Excella motorhome that had to be modified because it was too old to take part in its new Artemis program, with its ambitious goal of returning humans to the Moon.

One obvious choice here pic.twitter.com/WvopDUIvS3

— f_stiebeling (@f_stiebeling) September 24, 2021

The space agency notified a "private company," seeking advice on a viable replacement for the historic transport. A NASA statement stated that "proposals must be unique, embrace new technologies, and visually embody Artemis to the public."

pic.twitter.com/5D0FFAibms

— Brian Ross (@brewmeone) September 25, 2021

However, when this news reached Twitter, many non-corporate commentators chose to help NASA as well, with many suggestions ending up being completely "unique."

pic.twitter.com/5D0FFAibms

— Brian Ross (@brewmeone) September 25, 2021

Some insist that astronauts should ride something like the Eagle 5 Camper Van from the comedy "Spaceballs," or Harry's Dog Van from "Dumb and Dumber," or even the massive War Rig from the latest "Mad Max."

pic.twitter.com/5D0FFAibms

— Brian Ross (@brewmeone) September 25, 2021

Some shared the belief that the Wienermobile, which was used to advertise Oscar Mayer's meat products, would be perfect for "visualizing Artemis to the public." In fact the company happily complied, tweeting, "Hey @NASA we've got you. ”

pic.twitter.com/5D0FFAibms

— Brian Ross (@brewmeone) September 25, 2021

Others are urging NASA to go completely green and put the astronauts in their spacesuits on multi-seat bicycles or on horse-drawn carriages.

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— Brian Ross (@brewmeone) September 25, 2021

Some commentators say that NASA, which is now relying on Space X to deliver its astronauts into orbit, doesn't need to go far and can simply use Elon Musk's Tesla.

DoneWhat's next? pic.twitter.com/dPPbD0PmLY

— Matt (@AxeCap614) September 24, 2021

One genius suggested that instead of potentially spending millions of dollars developing a new vehicle, the agency could simply opt for a regular bus.