Back in February 2018, the world watched in awe as Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster was launched into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket. The car, famously occupied by a mannequin astronaut named “Starman”, became the first road vehicle to orbit the Sun. This historic launch was not just a publicity stunt—it showcased the power of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, the most powerful operational rocket at the time.
Fast forward seven years later, and the Tesla Roadster is still out there, drifting through the cosmos. But where exactly is it now? And what’s happened to it over time? Let’s take a look at the journey of this iconic vehicle in space.
A Car in Space: How Did It Get There?
The Tesla Roadster was used as a test payload for the Falcon Heavy rocket’s maiden launch. Instead of launching a standard payload like a satellite or scientific equipment, Elon Musk decided to send his own personal Tesla Roadster into orbit, complete with a mannequin “driver” wearing a SpaceX spacesuit.
With the radio playing David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” and the dashboard displaying the phrase “Don’t Panic” (a nod to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), the Tesla quickly became one of the most talked-about objects ever sent into space.
Where Is the Tesla Roadster Now?
As of 2025, the Tesla Roadster has traveled over 2.5 billion miles through space. It follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun that takes it beyond Mars before swinging back toward Earth’s orbit.
- Its closest approach to Mars happened on October 7, 2020, when it passed within 5 million miles of the planet.
- It last passed near Earth on November 2, 2020, at a distance of 32 million miles.
- The Tesla is expected to come close to Earth again in 2047, but it won’t enter the atmosphere.
Scientists predict that the Roadster will continue orbiting for millions of years unless it collides with a planet or asteroid. There is a 6% chance that it could eventually hit Earth over the next million years, though the impact would likely be insignificant.
What’s Happening to the Car in Space?
You might be wondering—what does a car look like after spending seven years exposed to the vacuum of space? Unlike vehicles on Earth, there’s no oxygen, water, or bacteria to cause rust or decay, but there are other harsh conditions:
- Extreme temperatures: The Tesla is exposed to temperature swings from -250°F in the shade to over 250°F in direct sunlight.
- Cosmic radiation: The high-energy radiation in space is likely breaking down the car’s paint, rubber, and plastic components.
- Micro-meteoroid impacts: Tiny space debris may have chipped away at parts of the vehicle.
While the aluminum frame may still be intact, the Tesla’s paint, tires, and leather seats have probably disintegrated by now due to radiation exposure. The mannequin “Starman” is also likely deteriorating as cosmic rays break down the materials of his spacesuit.
Will the Tesla Ever Come Back to Earth?
Right now, the Roadster has no propulsion system, meaning it will continue orbiting indefinitely. Scientists estimate that it will make repeated close passes to Earth every few decades, but it’s unlikely to crash into our planet anytime soon.
However, if it were to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, it would likely burn up just like a meteor, leaving little more than dust behind. So, unfortunately, there’s no chance of seeing Elon Musk’s Tesla rolling down a highway again!
Why Did Musk Send a Car Into Space?
Many people wonder—why launch a car into space in the first place? Elon Musk has said that the Tesla Roadster mission was meant to inspire people about space exploration and showcase the capabilities of the Falcon Heavy rocket.
It also served as a reminder that space travel is becoming more commercialized. In the past, only government agencies like NASA launched space missions. But with SpaceX leading the way, private companies are now playing a bigger role in space exploration.
What’s Next for SpaceX and Space Exploration?
Since launching the Tesla Roadster, SpaceX has achieved even greater milestones:
- Regular crewed missions to the International Space Station with the Crew Dragon spacecraft.
- Development of Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, which will be used for future Moon and Mars missions.
- Expansion of the Starlink satellite network to provide global internet access.
With NASA planning missions to the Moon and eventually Mars, the future of space exploration looks more exciting than ever. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll even see a Tesla on the surface of Mars!
Final Thoughts: The Tesla Roadster’s Legacy
Even though it’s just a car floating in space, the Tesla Roadster symbolizes the bold and ambitious nature of modern space exploration. Whether it crashes into a planet one day or continues orbiting the Sun for millions of years, it will always be remembered as one of the most iconic objects ever sent into space.
One thing is for sure—this is the only Tesla that has truly gone “out of this world.”
