Elon Musk’s Tesla Is Still Floating in Space After 7 Years

Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster: A Journey Through Space and Time

Historical Launch and Ongoing Journey
Seven years have passed since SpaceX made history with the launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018. On board was Elon Musk’s personal Tesla Roadster, an audacious experiment that sent the cherry-red car into the vast expanse of space. This event marked a significant milestone for SpaceX, showcasing the capabilities of its heavy-lift rocket. Since its launch, the Roadster, accompanied by a mannequin named Starman, has been orbiting the sun, becoming an unlikely celestial traveler. Despite the passage of time and the evolution of SpaceX’s projects, including the development of Starship and numerous Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions, the Roadster’s journey continues to captivate imagination.

A Case of Mistaken Identity
In 2025, the Tesla Roadster made headlines again, albeit for a different reason. Astronomers briefly mistook the car for a near-Earth object (NEO), categorizing it as 2018 CN41. The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center issued a bulletin before retracting it upon realizing the object was actually the Roadster. This incident highlights the challenges in distinguishing between natural and human-made objects in space, underscoring the complexities of tracking NEOs, which are crucial for understanding potential threats to Earth.

Tracking the Roadster’s Odyssey
The public’s fascination with the Roadster’s journey is evident through the website Whereisroadster.com, created by Ben Pearson in 2018. This digital tool provides real-time updates on the car’s location, offering a glimpse into its epic travels. As of now, the Roadster has traversed over 3.5 trillion miles, with an orbital period of approximately 557 days. Pearson’s calculations reveal that the car has exceeded its 36,000-mile warranty an astonishing 96,330 times. Additionally, if the onboard stereo were still functional, Starman would have listened to David Bowie’s "Space Oddity" over 692,000 times, adding a whimsical touch to its space travels.

Predicting the Roadster’s Future
Researchers have explored the Roadster’s potential future, estimating a 6% chance of it impacting Earth within the next million years. More immediately, the car is expected to make a close approach to Earth in 2091, coming within a few hundred thousand miles. The harsh conditions of space have likely taken a toll on the Roadster, but its fate remains uncertain. It may continue its celestial wanderings or potentially be retrieved for a museum display, offering a unique legacy for this space-faring car.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
Elon Musk’s decision to launch a Tesla into space was not only a technological feat but also a cultural statement. The journey of the Roadster and Starman has inspired public engagement, sparking discussions on space exploration and the potential for human-made objects in space. The car’s status as an artifact of modern space exploration offers insights into our era’s technological ambitions and the intersections between space travel and popular culture.

The Roadster’s Enduring Appeal
The Tesla Roadster’s story is one of adventure, blending technology with a touch of humor and curiosity. From its launch to its mistaken identity as an asteroid, the car has become an emblem of space exploration’s unpredictable nature. Whether it continues its eternal journey or one day returns to Earth, the Roadster serves as a reminder of humanity’s reach into the cosmos, offering a tale of innovation and the enduring allure of space.