NASA Crawler‑Transporter Diesel Engines Power Artemis Launch – Specs, Design & Cost

Bottom Line Up Front

NASA moves its 6.6‑million‑pound Crawler‑Transporter with two massive diesel engines that were originally built for a completely different purpose.

Design & Looks

The Crawler‑Transporter, often called the “Mighty Mouse,” is a 131‑foot long, 114‑foot wide beast. Its two engines sit side‑by‑side in a central pod, each covered by a rugged steel shroud that looks like a truck‑cab on steroids. The engines are Caterpillar 16‑645E units – 16‑cylinder, V‑type diesel powerplants that first appeared in the 1970s on heavy‑duty trucks.

• Each engine weighs about 12,000 lb.
• They feature a massive turbo‑charger and intercooler to boost airflow.
• The shrouds are painted NASA’s signature white with a bold red stripe for visibility.

Performance & Mileage

Combined, the twin engines produce roughly 4,000 horsepower and 12,000 lb‑ft of torque. That power lets the transporter crawl at a maximum speed of 1 mph when fully loaded, but it can cruise at 2 mph on a flat surface. Because the vehicle moves so slowly, fuel consumption isn’t measured in miles per gallon but in gallons per hour.

• Fuel burn: ~ 2,000 gal/hr at full load.
• Range: Enough fuel for a 5‑day mission without refuel.
• Reliability: Designed to run 24/7 with built‑in redundancy; if one engine fails, the other can keep the transporter moving.

Price & Rivals

These engines aren’t cheap. When NASA purchased the original units in the 1970s, each cost about $500,000. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $3 million today. The price reflects the custom engineering, heavy‑duty components, and the rigorous testing required for space‑flight support.

There are few rivals that can match the Crawler‑Transporter’s sheer torque. The closest comparison is a modern offshore‑oil driller’s diesel engine, but even those lack the twin‑engine redundancy NASA demands.

FAQ

What is the fuel consumption of NASA’s Crawler‑Transporter engines?
Each engine burns about 2,000 gallons per hour when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Can the transporter run on one engine if the other fails?
Yes, the design includes redundancy so a single engine can keep the vehicle moving, though at reduced speed.

Are these diesel engines used in any commercial trucks?
The 16‑645E was originally built for heavy‑duty trucks and offshore rigs, but NASA’s custom‑spec versions have unique cooling and filtration upgrades.

What Do You Think?

These diesel giants prove that sometimes the oldest, toughest tech is still the best fit for cutting‑edge missions. Share your thoughts below – have you ever seen a similar monster on the road?

Source: Read Official News