NASA AstroVan Photos

1985air345 · 06-09-2002, 07:48 PM

I need photos of the AstroVan for my website. If you know where they are, please upload them to AirstreamPhotos.com and let me know. Thanks.

I am working on NASA to see if we can see the AstroVan after the April Mystic Springs Rally. My thought was the caravan to Kennedy Space Center afterwards. I'll keep you posted.

Bob66789 · 06-10-2002, 03:05 AM

Hello Fred!

I posted a photo of the NASA Astrovan!
I look forward to seeing it too!

Take care,

Bob

1985air345 · 06-11-2002, 12:40 PM

My next question is what year is it? What length? Since every Shuttle crew has used it, it must pre-date the first Shuttle launch. I'd guess 79 or 80 Excella.

ALANSD · 06-11-2002, 01:57 PM

I posted two photos of the NASA airstream in Space Cowboys the movie. I got a charge out of seeing Clint Eastwood and the boys climb aboard..check out the Airstreamphotos.com page.

1985air345 · 09-22-2006, 07:59 AM

Is it me or does the Astrovan need some suspension work? Either the front is low or the rear is too high!

This picture is from 9/21/2006.

More Astrovan photos

thecatsandi · 09-22-2006, 11:01 AM

I suspect when she is fully loaded with astronauts and gear it rides pretty level.

GlenCoombe · 09-22-2006, 05:33 PM

Actually I posted this observation when the last flightcrew made it's way to the launch pad..... looks like 16" in front and 19" in the rear but ... who knows.
Search for Astrovan and the post from a NASA guy will come up with the year models of the AS's.

GlenCoombe · 09-22-2006, 05:37 PM

Just emailed NASAguy who only posted once. The thread is http://www.airforums.com/forum...highlight=NASA

NASAGuy · 09-25-2006, 07:02 AM

The two NASA Airstreams at Kennedy Space Center (Astrovan and Telescience Van) have rear air bags that get pumped up to maximum when the engine is running.

The Astrovan has a rear entry hatch that drops down for cargo
loading and there are no front suspension air bags. The pottable
water tank is also in the front passenger side luggage compartment.
If the Astrovan has been sitting unloaded for awhile with the engine running, as it does on the shuttle runway after landing, the back end
can get up a few inches higher than the front.

The Telescience Lab Airstream (former Convoy Command Vehicle) has rear air bags tied to the engine and and front manually loaded air bags. It's pottable water is in the driver side rear area behind the gas tank. When it has been sitting with the engine off, the back end is lower than the front and with the engine on, it is level.