SpaceX will begin using Tesla Cybertrucks for emergency crew escape on the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station in September, replacing the usual Mine‑Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. NASA and SpaceX are preparing the launch for September 12 at 6:30 pm ET. The crew will include NASA commander Jessica Watkins, pilot Luke Delaney, Canadian mission specialist Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos mission specialist Sergey Teteryatnikov. NASA Deputy Program Manager Richard Jones said the change is intended to avoid competition for resources and to provide a faster exit from the launch pad. He noted that Cybertrucks accelerate more quickly than MRAPs and that no modifications are required, though they have been certified to operate with gloved hands and spacesuits. The launch was moved from a November date to maintain a six‑month schedule; NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has said the agency wants frequent missions to support an orbital economy. Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s Low Earth Orbit program, said the agency orders flights three years in advance and that budget constraints were considered, but the program remains healthy after funding was finalized. Funding for the ISS includes a $10 billion allocation over several years, with at least $250 million annually from FY2025 through FY2029. Recent air leaks in the Russian segment of the station were reported in June, but Weigel said there is no ongoing leak. The Crew-13 mission will be the second flight of the newest Crew Dragon capsule, named Grace.