Seven years ago, in February 2018, the world witnessed one of the most bizarre and captivating events in space exploration history. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla, launched a 2018 Tesla Roadster into space aboard the Falcon Heavy rocket, setting a new benchmark for the possibilities of private space travel. The launch was not only a triumph for SpaceX but also an unprecedented marketing stunt that blurred the lines between cutting-edge technology, space exploration, and automotive engineering.
Since that historic day, much curiosity has surrounded the Tesla Roadster, with many wondering what happened to the car after it was launched into the great unknown. In this article, we will explore the story of the Tesla Roadster’s journey into space, track its path through the cosmos, and speculate on what the future holds for this iconic vehicle floating through space.
The Historic Launch: A Bold Stunt with a Purpose
The launch of Elon Musk’s personal Tesla Roadster was part of the inaugural flight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, the most powerful operational rocket in the world at the time. The mission, dubbed “Test Flight of Falcon Heavy,” took place on February 6, 2018, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Musk’s decision to send a Tesla Roadster into space was as much a marketing move as it was a test of the Falcon Heavy’s capabilities. The car, an electric sports vehicle, was mounted on the rocket’s second stage as the dummy payload, a substitute for the traditional test payload typically used for these missions. A mannequin dressed in a spacesuit, nicknamed “Starman”, was seated in the driver’s seat, hands gripping the steering wheel. The car was even equipped with a playlist of David Bowie’s songs, including “Space Oddity”, making it an ironic tribute to both the spirit of adventure and pop culture.
While the stunt raised eyebrows, the mission itself was a resounding success. The Falcon Heavy rocket performed flawlessly, sending the Tesla Roadster into an elliptical orbit around the sun, becoming the first production car ever launched into space. The Roadster’s journey was not only symbolic but also marked an important moment in private space exploration.
Where Is the Tesla Roadster Now?
Following its successful launch, the Tesla Roadster entered into an orbit around the sun that takes it well beyond the orbit of Earth. But where is it now, seven years after it was launched?
Trajectory and Orbit
At the time of its launch, the Tesla Roadster’s trajectory was carefully calculated to send it on an orbit around the sun. The car was placed in an elliptical orbit that stretches from near-Earth distance to well beyond the orbit of Mars. This orbit is technically known as a heliocentric orbit.
The trajectory that Musk’s Tesla followed is a Starman orbit, a path that takes it past Mars and potentially as far out as the asteroid belt. The Roadster is in resonance with Earth and Mars, meaning it stays in a predictable orbit that doesn’t pass too close to either planet. Its orbit takes about 557 days to complete one full cycle around the sun.
As of 2025, the Roadster is traveling through space at speeds of about 18,000 miles per hour (29,000 km/h). At its current position, it is estimated to be around 1.5 million miles (about 2.4 million kilometers) from Earth.
A Rough Estimate of Its Location
Using data from NASA and various space-tracking organizations, enthusiasts and space agencies have been able to pinpoint the general location of Musk’s Roadster. With the help of telescopes and sophisticated algorithms, it’s possible to track its movement along its orbital path. As of 2025, it’s in the outer reaches of its orbit, moving farther away from Earth and getting closer to the point in its orbit where it will be farthest from the Sun.
The car has not only outlived many predictions about its durability but also raised questions about its fate in the long term. According to current projections, the Roadster will remain in space for millions of years before its orbit decays or it crashes into a celestial body.
What Are the Odds of It Colliding With Something?
One of the most interesting aspects of the Roadster’s journey is the probability of it colliding with something during its time in space. The car is in an orbit that brings it relatively close to Earth’s orbit, and while its path currently takes it beyond the orbit of Mars, it’s possible, though unlikely, that it could intersect with other celestial bodies, including asteroids or even planets.
However, the odds of the Tesla Roadster colliding with something are slim. Space is vast, and objects within our solar system are typically far apart. The car is on a very specific path that minimizes the likelihood of impact. In fact, the chances of the car hitting any object in space, including asteroids, are statistically very low. Even in the highly unlikely event that it were to crash into something, the consequences would likely be minimal, considering the car’s small size relative to the vastness of space.
How Will the Tesla Roadster End?
As the Roadster continues its journey, the most pressing question is: How will it end its days in space?
Several possible scenarios exist for the fate of the Roadster:
- Orbital Decay: Over millions of years, the Roadster’s orbit could decay due to gravitational interactions with other planets or the Sun’s radiation pressure. This could eventually pull the car toward the Sun, where it would be destroyed.
- Collision: As mentioned earlier, the odds of a collision are low, but the Roadster could eventually collide with an asteroid, moon, or even a planet. If it does collide with something, the result would likely be the car being shattered or vaporized in the impact.
- Eternal Spacecraft: In the most optimistic scenario, the Roadster could continue to orbit the Sun indefinitely, becoming a relic of early space exploration. It would remain a silent, forgotten monument to Musk’s visionary stunt.
The Legacy of the Tesla Roadster in Space
Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster in space is much more than just a car floating in the void. It has become a symbol of human curiosity, innovation, and the blending of private enterprise with space exploration. It highlights the possibilities of commercial space travel and shows how the boundaries of technology are constantly being pushed by private companies.
Moreover, the Roadster’s journey into space serves as a reminder of the inherent humor and creativity that Elon Musk embodies. The idea of sending a car into space — complete with a mannequin behind the wheel, a playlist of David Bowie’s songs, and a message to the future — reflects Musk’s unconventional approach to both business and exploration.
As the years go by, the Tesla Roadster will continue to capture the imagination of people around the world. Whether it ends its journey as a distant relic or continues on an eternal orbit, the car’s adventure is likely to remain an iconic moment in the history of space exploration.
Conclusion
Seven years after its launch, Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster remains in space, journeying through the cosmos as a symbolic and surreal reminder of the pioneering spirit of private space exploration. Whether it’s being tracked by stargazers or becoming a distant memory, the Roadster’s story is one that continues to captivate the public’s imagination. It serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities of space exploration, where even a luxury sports car can become part of the grand narrative of the universe.