When the Apollo 11 astronauts returned from the moon in 1969 they were quarantined in a modified Airstream Travel Trailer known as the Mobile Quarantine Facility (or MQF) to contain any possible lunar pathogens. With its aircraft-like construction and self-containment features, the Airstream was the perfect solution for a MQF that could withstand the rigors of transportation.
Commercial Past Projects
Customizing Airstreams since 1931
From the very beginning, the shiny aluminum Airstream shell has inspired designers, business owners, celebrities, and countless others to customize the Airstream interior to suit their needs. From NASA to home studios, Airstream has created custom travel trailers since the historical beginning.
Past Projects in Space
Mobile Quarantine Facility
Astrovan
In 1983, three modified Excella Motorhomes were made for use in NASA’s Shuttle program. The most famous, known as the Astrovan, was used to transport astronauts from the Operations and Checkout Building at the Florida Kennedy Space Center to the launch pad.
Astrovan II
American Astronauts are taking the next step towards the stars, and we’ll be right there with them again. Built in partnership with the Boeing Company, ASTROVAN II is the new crew transport vehicle for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner crew.
Past Projects
Custom Motorhomes
During the 1980s, Airstream began to branch out, designing motorhomes to meet specific purposes. The newly formed Airstream Commercial Department built over 300 custom vehicles including airport limousines, ambulances, bookmobiles, hearing test labs, mobile command posts, and even funeral coaches.
At-Home Studio
Jimmy Fallon started “at-home” editions of “The Tonight Show” due to the coronavirus pandemic. A transformed Airstream in his backyard created the perfect studio.
Mobile Recording Studio
In 2005, the non-profit organization StoryCorps used a custom Airstream as a mobile recording studio to collect the stories of ordinary people for the Library of Congress.
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