[utahredrock]

How did I not know about this?

A friend of mine is in space right now, Mark Kelly--the commander of the current shuttle mission.

Meet the Astrovan.

From Wikipedia:

"The Astrovan is a NASA vehicle used to transport astronauts to the launch pad before a launch mission. The current model, a modified Airstream Excella motorhome, has been in use since the beginning of the Space Shuttle program in 1981. Similar models have been used since the beginning of the space program."

"It has a special built-in cooling system for the astronauts to plug in their orange-colored launch and entry suits, so the astronauts do not get overheated during the trip to the launch pad."

I was there for the launch but five miles away, so I didn't see the Astrovan in person. I'll have to get Mark to arrange a tour for me!

He's on the far right in the photo--which I am attaching (or trying to, not sure how this works here . . . )