Astrovan Rolls Again as Artemis II Crew Prepares for Lunar Adventure

On December 20, 2025, astronauts of the Artemis II mission conducted a pre-launch countdown rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As part of the preparation, the crew used the ‘Astrovan II’ for the first time-a modified Airstream motorhome previously used by Boeing.

‘Astrovan II’ is an almost 8-meter-long crew transport, decorated with graphics of the Moon, the Artemis II mission emblem, and program insignia. Initially, NASA planned to use Canoo electric vehicles, but the company went bankrupt six months after delivering three vehicles.

Boeing introduced the ‘Astrovan II’ in 2019 to transport Starliner crew members to the Atlas V launch pad. The Airstream motorhome in Starliner livery was used for the first and only Starliner test flight to the ISS in June 2024.

NASA and Boeing are currently working towards resuming Starliner flights. However, the agency decided to lease ‘Astrovan II’ to support the Artemis II mission. The ‘II’ in ‘Astrovan II’ symbolizes ‘inheritance’-as the first ‘Astrovan’ was also an Airstream vehicle launched in 1983, an Excella motorhome with chrome finishing.

Airstream has partnered with NASA since the Apollo era, when the company created mobile complexes for the first lunar missions. During Saturday’s rehearsal, ‘Astrovan II’ did not reach the launch pad, as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will be rolled out to launch complex 39B next month. The rehearsal took place in the vehicle assembly building, where SLS is currently being prepared.

A NASA representative stated that the Canoo electric vehicles remain a backup option for the ‘Astrovan II.’

The Artemis II mission marks NASA’s next step in returning humans to the Moon, with plans for further testing of new lunar technologies. The mission is seen as a pivotal step toward building a sustainable lunar presence. Orion spacecraft’s systems have been extensively tested, ensuring readiness for the mission to space and back safely. By 2026, NASA aims to have completed pivotal milestones toward Artemis III, which will be the first mission to return humans to the lunar surface in over 50 years.