logo
New Delhi
New Cars
New Bikes
Go Green with EV
Used Cars
News & Reviews
Trending on c&b
Sell Your Car
Scrap Your Car
Pre-Delivery Inspection

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com

Who We Are

About UsMerger Scheme CopyNCLT OrderInvestor RelationsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy

Follow Us On

car&bike Youtubecar&bike Twittercar&bike Facebookcar&bike LinkedIn
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.

Our Offerings

  • New Cars
  • New Bikes
  • Electric Cars
  • Electric Bikes & Scooters
  • Used Cars
  • Compare Cars
  • Compare Bikes
  • Sell Car
  • Scrap Car
  • Pre Delivery Car Inspection

News & Reviews

  • Latest News
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • car&bike Reviews
  • Car Reviews
  • Bike Reviews
  • Videos
  • Knowledge Center

Popular Car Brands

  • Maruti Suzuki
  • Tata
  • Hyundai
  • Honda
  • Mahindra
  • Kia
  • BMW
  • Volkswagen
  • Mercedes
  • Land Rover

Popular Car Models

  • Mahindra Thar
  • Kia Seltos
  • Land Rover Defender
  • Hyundai Exter
  • Grand Vitara
  • Toyota Innova Crysta
  • Kia Sonet
  • Range Rover
  • Toyota Fortuner
  • Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Popular Bike Brands

  • Royal Enfield
  • Hero
  • Yamaha
  • BMW Bikes
  • Jawa
  • Honda
  • Bajaj
  • Ola Electric Bikes
  • KTM
  • Harley Davidson

Popular Bike Models

  • Yamaha MT 15
  • Classic 350
  • Royal Enfield Hunter 350
  • Continental GT 650
  • Bajaj Pulsar 150
  • Hunter 350
  • Honda SP 125
  • Bullet 350
  • YZF R15 V4.0
  • Bajaj Pulsar 125
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

A Tesla Model X Transported SpaceX Astronauts To The Shuttle On Launch Day

The Tesla Model X is the flagship SUV from Elon Musk's electric car company, and it recently became the transport van for the SpaceX astronauts that recently made their way up to the International Space Station (ISS) on the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster rocket. It was for the first time that NASA was sending its astronauts - Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley - into space with the help of a private aerospace company, nearly a decade since the last time the US Space agency did so on American soil. The moment then was iconic and quite the perfect launchpad (pun intended) to advertise the Tesla Model X.
Sameer Contractor
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Jun 01, 2020, 06:47 PM
Follow us on
A Tesla Model X Transported SpaceX Astronauts To The Shuttle On Launch Day
Key Highlights
  • Tesla and SpaceX are part of the same group headed by Elon Musk
  • The Tesla Model X promises a range of 490 km on a single charge
  • The Falcon 9 successfully docked with the ISS after a 19 hour journey

The Tesla Model X is the flagship SUV of Elon Musk's electric car company, and it became the transport vehicle for the SpaceX astronauts that have successfully made their way up to the International Space Station (ISS) on the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster rocket. It was for the first time that NASA was sending its astronauts - Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley - into space with the help of a private aerospace company, nearly a decade since the last time the US Space agency did so on American soil. The moment then was iconic and quite the perfect launchpad (pun intended) to advertise the Tesla Model X.

Also Read: Tesla's Full Self-Driving Feature To Become More Expensive By July 1: Musk

eqgdn1k8

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley pose with the Tesla Model X ahead of their space flight

This Tesla Model X was customised for the special day and is outfitted with cooling air for the crew's suits. The electric SUV bears a custom license plate that reads 'ISSBND' which means ISS Bound and gets the NASA decal on the doors. The car was in the middle of a convoy that included support team members and security personnel that completed the 14.4 km drive to the launch complex.

b98dhugs

The Tesla Model X has been outfitted with cooling air for the crew's suits and also gets a custom licence plate that reads ISS Bound

Now, this isn't exactly the obvious advertising channel but Tesla is known to not follow the traditional marketing strategies. Instead, the Tesla Model X etches itself in this moment of history. In fact, the Model X replaced the Astrovan that's been used for years to transport the astronauts. The Tesla transported its passengers to the Pad39A for the launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 booster rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The drive also marks the first time that NASA astronauts have taken a car to the launchpad on their way to leave Earth.

Also Read: Tesla Delays Launch Of Roadster Electric Sports Car

lvt5uddo

The Model X electric SUV transported the astronauts to the launchpad, a drive of 14.4 km

Could the Tesla Model X then be the new Astrovan? Not quite, but the vehicles transporting astronauts in the US have been evolving over decades as much as space travel itself. The first astronauts for the Mercury 7 were transferred from a hangar to the rockets in a white vehicle - a converted Clark Cortez motorhome - with blue and red stripes and a large NASA logo. The Astrovan was used between 1968 and 1972 that included the moon missions as well. It also continued to stay in service for the Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz and early space shuttle missions.

u1shept8

The Airstream Astrovan II was commissioned in 2019 to transport the astronauts

The Astrovan saw a complete overhaul in November 1983 with the ninth space shuttle mission and was a modified Airstream Excella Motorhome with a chrome body and red, white and blue stripes. The motorhome was large enough to accommodate the shuttle crews. In 2019, the Boeing Company, NASA's commercial crew partner developed the Astrovan II, which was the Airstream Atlas Touring Coach that comes with new graphics inspired by the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that is now in service.

# Tesla# Tesla Model X# SpaceX# Tesla Model X SpaceX# Astrovan# Falcon 9 Launch# Electric Cars# Electric Mobility# Technology

Related News

India To Get Updated Tesla Model Y LR With Higher Range
1 min read
India To Get Updated Tesla Model Y LR With Higher Range
2026 Tesla Model Y Performance Debuts With 460 bhp, 580 km Range
1 min read
2026 Tesla Model Y Performance Debuts With 460 bhp, 580 km Range
Tesla Delhi Showroom To Open On August 11
1 min read
Tesla Delhi Showroom To Open On August 11
India’s First Tesla Supercharger Goes Live In Mumbai: All You Need To Know
1 min read
India’s First Tesla Supercharger Goes Live In Mumbai: All You Need To Know
Most Affordable Teslas Coming, First Units Already Rolling Off Production Line
1 min read
Most Affordable Teslas Coming, First Units Already Rolling Off Production Line

Latest Cars

  • Skoda Octavia RS
    Skoda
    Octavia RS
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 49.99 Lakh
  • Maserati MCPura
    Maserati
    MCPura
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 4.12 - 5.12 Crore
  • Mahindra Bolero Neo
    Mahindra
    Bolero Neo
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.49 - 9.99 Lakh
  • Mahindra Bolero
    Mahindra
    Bolero
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 7.99 - 9.69 Lakh
  • Mahindra Thar
    Mahindra
    Thar
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 9.99 - 16.99 Lakh
  • Citroen Aircross X
    Citroen
    Aircross X
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.29 - 13.69 Lakh
  • Maruti Suzuki Victoris
    Maruti Suzuki
    Victoris
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 10.5 - 19.99 Lakh
  • VinFast VF7
    VinFast
    VF7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 24.23 - 29.57 Lakh
  • VinFast VF6
    VinFast
    VF6
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 19.13 - 21.22 Lakh
  • Citroen Basalt X
    Citroen
    Basalt X
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 7.95 - 13.11 Lakh

Upcoming Cars

  • Audi New A5
    Audi New A5
    Expected Price
    ₹ 20 - 60 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-10-29
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6
    Hyundai Ioniq 6
    Expected Price
    ₹ 60 - 65 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-10-29
  • Mahindra Scorpio X
    Mahindra Scorpio X
    Expected Price
    ₹ 15 - 25 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-10-31
  • Hyundai New Venue
    Hyundai New Venue
    Expected Price
    ₹ 8 - 12 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-04
  • Mahindra BE.05
    Mahindra BE.05
    Expected Price
    ₹ 25 - 30 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-12
  • Jeep Avenger
    Jeep Avenger
    Expected Price
    ₹ 25 - 30 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-15
  • Kia EV4
    Kia EV4
    Expected Price
    ₹ 15 - 20 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-18
  • MG 7
    MG 7
    Expected Price
    ₹ 24 - 25 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-18
  • Volkswagen Tera
    Volkswagen Tera
    Expected Price
    ₹ 25 - 40 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-20
  • Nissan Small Electric SUV
    Nissan Small Electric SUV
    Expected Price
    ₹ 12 - 18 Lakh
    Launch Date: 2025-11-25
Explore Other Topics
Trending NewsCar NewsElectric Car NewsBike NewsComparisonsMotorsportsUpcoming Car News

Trending News

  • New Hyundai Venue Safety Features Revealed: Gets L2 ADAS, All 4 Disc Brakes
    1 min read
    New Hyundai Venue Safety Features Revealed: Gets L2 ADAS, All 4 Disc Brakes
  • 2,831 Kilometres On A Single Tank: Skoda Superb Diesel Sets A World Record
    1 min read
    2,831 Kilometres On A Single Tank: Skoda Superb Diesel Sets A World Record
  • Ferrari F76 Revealed: Latest Italian Hypercar Exists Only In The Digital Realm
    1 min read
    Ferrari F76 Revealed: Latest Italian Hypercar Exists Only In The Digital Realm
  • Toyota Camry GT-S Concept Revealed Ahead Of 2025 SEMA Show Debut
    1 min read
    Toyota Camry GT-S Concept Revealed Ahead Of 2025 SEMA Show Debut
  • Hero To Unveil Vida Ubex Electric Motorcycle Concept At EICMA 2025
    1 min read
    Hero To Unveil Vida Ubex Electric Motorcycle Concept At EICMA 2025
  • Nissan MPV Based On Triber Platform: All We Know So Far
    2 mins read
    Nissan MPV Based On Triber Platform: All We Know So Far
  • New Hyundai Venue To Get Diesel Automatic Option
    2 mins read
    New Hyundai Venue To Get Diesel Automatic Option
  • Kawasaki KLE500 Unveiled
    2 mins read
    Kawasaki KLE500 Unveiled
  • Hyundai Venue New vs Old: Exterior, Interior, Features
    4 mins read
    Hyundai Venue New vs Old: Exterior, Interior, Features

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • New Hyundai Venue Safety Features Revealed: Gets L2 ADAS, All 4 Disc Brakes
    Jafar Rizvi | Oct 27, 2025
    New Hyundai Venue Safety Features Revealed: Gets L2 ADAS, All 4 Disc Brakes
    The second-generation Venue comes with an upgraded safety kit that includes 33 standard features.
    1 min read
  • 2,831 Kilometres On A Single Tank: Skoda Superb Diesel Sets A World Record
    Bilal Firfiray | Oct 27, 2025
    2,831 Kilometres On A Single Tank: Skoda Superb Diesel Sets A World Record
    Driven by European Rally Champion Miko Marczyk, the Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI was averaging just 2.61 liters of diesel per 100 kilometres – that’s 38.31kmpl
    1 min read
  • Ferrari F76 Revealed: Latest Italian Hypercar Exists Only In The Digital Realm
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 26, 2025
    Ferrari F76 Revealed: Latest Italian Hypercar Exists Only In The Digital Realm
    Created as an NFT, the F76 commemorates 76 years since Ferrari’s first win at Le Mans and is available only to its Hyperclub clients.
    1 min read
  • Toyota Camry GT-S Concept Revealed Ahead Of 2025 SEMA Show Debut
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 26, 2025
    Toyota Camry GT-S Concept Revealed Ahead Of 2025 SEMA Show Debut
    Sporty Camry concept features a new body kit, coilover suspension, high-performance brakes and an upgraded exhaust.
    1 min read
  • Hero To Unveil Vida Ubex Electric Motorcycle Concept At EICMA 2025
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 26, 2025
    Hero To Unveil Vida Ubex Electric Motorcycle Concept At EICMA 2025
    The Ubex could be Hero’s first production electric motorcycle for the Indian market.
    1 min read
  • Nissan MPV Based On Triber Platform: All We Know So Far
    car&bike Team | Oct 25, 2025
    Nissan MPV Based On Triber Platform: All We Know So Far
    Nissan will launch its badge-engineered version of the Renault Triber in India in early 2026. The upcoming MPV has now been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time.
    2 mins read
  • TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    Preetam Bora | Oct 19, 2025
    TVS Apache RTX First Ride Review: Tech-Packed & Adventure Ready
    TVS enters the growing adventure touring segment with the new Apache RTX with an attractive starting price of ₹ 1.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom). Is it worth considering? Read on, to find out.
    8 mins read
  • Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    Janak Sorap | Oct 17, 2025
    Eurogrip Tread Talks 2025: Tyre Tales
    A factory tour on what goes into making two-wheeler tyres at Eurogrip’s Madurai plant, followed by a scenic ride to Kodaikanal.
    4 mins read
  • Ferrari 12Cilindri India Review: Straight From The Heart
    Shams Raza Naqvi | Oct 22, 2025
    Ferrari 12Cilindri India Review: Straight From The Heart
    We’ve driven the latest 12-cylinder powerhouse from Ferrari on Indian roads. Is this the ultimate GT Coupe to come to our market?
    7 mins read
  • Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    Preetam Bora | Oct 10, 2025
    Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review
    Roadster or sport tourer? And to answer that question we have the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 in a head-to-head comparison with the 2025 Bajaj Dominar 400.
    1 min read
  • Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    Bilal Firfiray | Oct 8, 2025
    Tata Harrier EV Road Test: Big, Bold, and Brilliantly Electric
    We test the new Tata Harrier EV to find out how far it can really go. Real-world range, driving impressions, features, verdict, and everything else. We got you covered.
    5 mins read
  • Home
  • News
  • Electric Cars
  • A Tesla Model X Transported SpaceX Astronauts To The Shuttle On Launch Day