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NASA's Tire Assault Vehicle Enhances Space Shuttle Landings

3/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed the Tire Assault Vehicle (TAV) to safely manage tire pressure during Space Shuttle landings reaching speeds up to 220 mph.
The Tire Assault Vehicle is a remote-controlled tank modified for precise tire-pressure release, and it proved about 97% cheaper than previous bomb disposal robots.
NASA also used a Convair 990 jet as a test bed to simulate landing conditions and assess tire safety.

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Story summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed the Tire Assault Vehicle (TAV) to safely manage tire pressure during Space Shuttle landings reaching speeds up to 220 mph.
The Tire Assault Vehicle is a remote-controlled tank modified for precise tire-pressure release, and it proved about 97% cheaper than previous bomb disposal robots.
NASA also used a Convair 990 jet as a test bed to simulate landing conditions and assess tire safety.