Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster, launched into space in 2018, continues to drift through the vast expanse of the cosmos. It has been seven years since the billionaire entrepreneur sent his personal vehicle into orbit, making it one of the most iconic objects in space history. But where is the car now? And why did Musk decide to launch it in the first place?
Why Did Elon Musk Launch the Tesla Roadster Into Space?
Musk is known for his ambitious ideas, and the Tesla Roadster launch was no exception. Back in 2018, SpaceX was preparing for the maiden flight of the Falcon Heavy, the most powerful rocket ever built at the time. But instead of using a traditional payload, Musk decided to make a statement.
He wanted something bold, bizarre, and attention-grabbing—a payload that would capture the imagination of people worldwide. The answer? His own personal 2010 Tesla Roadster.
A Cosmic Publicity Stunt
Musk himself admitted that the car was chosen as a practical joke. He even took to Twitter (now X) to ask for ideas on what to send into space. The Roadster, which he frequently drove to work, became the ultimate marketing stunt.
Seated inside the car was Starman, a mannequin dressed in a custom SpaceX spacesuit, paying tribute to the late David Bowie. To make things even more surreal, the car’s stereo was set to continuously play Bowie’s “Space Oddity”—a fitting soundtrack for its infinite space road trip.
Where Is the Tesla Roadster Now?
Since its launch on February 6, 2018, the Tesla Roadster has been hurtling through space at an astonishing speed. It is currently being tracked by whereisroadster.com, a website dedicated to following its journey.
Current Location and Speed
- Distance from Earth: Approximately 239,964,516 miles
- Speed: Around 3,988 miles per hour
- Distance from the Sun: About 151,502,900 miles
The car is currently moving toward the Sun, continuing its endless cosmic voyage. If it stays on its current path, it will keep orbiting the Sun for millions of years, potentially making future space travelers stumble upon it.
The Tesla Roadster’s Surreal Journey in Space
The launch itself was a historic success. As the Falcon Heavy lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center, the world watched in awe. The first images of the Tesla floating with Earth in the background became instant viral sensations.
For the past seven years, the car has:
- Completed multiple orbits around the Sun
- Passed by Mars’ orbit multiple times
- Traveled far beyond expectations
Despite the vacuum of space, the car has likely sustained significant radiation damage. The cosmic rays and solar radiation have likely eroded its paint, rubber, and other materials, leaving behind a heavily damaged, possibly unrecognizable, vehicle.
What’s Inside the Tesla Roadster? Fun Easter Eggs in Space
Musk didn’t just send a car into space—he packed it with some quirky surprises.
A Never-Ending Soundtrack
If the car’s battery is somehow still working, Bowie’s “Space Oddity” has played over 694,000 times in a continuous loop since launch.
A Hidden Sci-Fi Tribute
Inside the glovebox of the Roadster is a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a beloved sci-fi novel by Douglas Adams. A small Hot Wheels model of the Tesla Roadster is also attached to the dashboard.
A Secret Message
A plaque on the car reads “Made on Earth by Humans”, a message meant for any potential alien civilization that might discover the vehicle in the distant future.
Will the Tesla Roadster Ever Return to Earth?
Technically, yes—but not anytime soon. Astronomers predict that the Roadster could eventually re-enter Earth’s atmosphere or crash into Venus or the Sun within the next tens of millions of years. However, given its trajectory and lack of propulsion, its fate is uncertain.
It could also remain a floating relic, forever drifting through space, a lonely testament to human ambition and creativity.
Conclusion: A Car Like No Other
Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of human ingenuity, a marketing masterstroke, and one of the most bizarre objects ever launched into space.
For the past seven years, it has been on an interstellar journey, traveling millions of miles across the cosmos. While it may never return to Earth, it will forever remain one of the most famous “vehicles” in history—not for where it drove on Earth, but for where it’s endlessly driving in space.
