Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster: 7 Years in Space and What’s Happened Since
A Historic Launch That Still Captures Our Imagination
It’s been seven years since Elon Musk made headlines by sending a Tesla Roadster into space. Time flies, doesn’t it? Looking back, 2018 feels like it was both a lifetime ago and just yesterday. So much has changed since then—technologically, socially, and even with Elon Musk’s own journey. Yet, through it all, that very car is still orbiting the cosmos. For many, this launch remains one of the most memorable moments in space exploration history.
In this post, we’ll dive into why Musk decided to send a car into space, the journey of the Tesla Roadster since its launch, and the quirky details that made it such a fun and remarkable endeavor.
Explore more about SpaceX’s other groundbreaking missions here.
Why Did Elon Musk Send a Tesla Roadster Into Space?
When we think about monumental events in space exploration, we often imagine rockets, rovers, or astronauts. But in February 2018, SpaceX, Musk’s private aerospace company, launched something a bit unexpected—a Tesla Roadster. While many questioned the logic behind sending a luxury sports car into space, Musk’s reasons were layered, ranging from practicality to pure fun.
The Power of ‘Why Not?’
First and foremost, Musk’s reasoning was quite simple: he could. Running both a car company and a space company gives Musk unique flexibility to execute ideas that may seem outlandish to the average person. In this case, the very act of blasting a car into space was not only a display of technological prowess but also a reflection of Musk’s personality—bold, ambitious, and always a bit unconventional.
A Vision for the Future of Humanity
However, Musk’s reasoning didn’t end there. At the time of the launch, Musk shared a grander vision. He expressed hope that, one day, humanity would settle on other planets. He envisioned his descendants retrieving the car and displaying it in a museum, making the Tesla Roadster a symbol of humanity’s first steps into space exploration. In this way, the car wasn’t just a publicity stunt; it was a piece of history meant to serve as a marker for future generations.
Learn more about Musk’s vision for Mars colonization here.
Social Media Spotlight: How the Tesla Roadster Sparked a Global Conversation
The Tesla Roadster launch caught the world’s attention, with social media users and fans of SpaceX and Elon Musk sharing their thoughts, theories, and excitement. Here’s a look at some of the buzz around the Roadster’s space journey.
Twitter Reactions
On Twitter, people couldn’t get enough of the spectacle. Musk’s decision to send a car into space sparked playful discussions, and some even started imagining the future of space tourism.
Tweet:
“Elon Musk just sent a @TeslaRoadster into space… with a mannequin in a space suit. 🚀 Can we all agree this is the most 2018 thing ever? #SpaceX #Starman”
Check out the original tweet here.
Instagram Moments
Instagram was flooded with images and fan art of the Tesla Roadster in space, often with creative captions. The car became a symbol of human ingenuity and, for some, a dream come true.
Instagram Caption:
“A car in space? 🚗💫 Can you imagine what’s next? Maybe a Mars road trip! 🌍🔭 #TeslaRoadster #SpaceExploration #SpaceOddity”
Facebook Buzz
Facebook groups dedicated to SpaceX and Tesla enthusiasts exploded with discussions about the implications of the Roadster’s launch. Some speculated about the future of commercial space travel, while others just marveled at the audacity of Musk’s decision.
Facebook Post:
“Seven years in space! 🚀 Elon Musk’s Roadster is still out there, floating around. Who else thinks we’ll see it on Mars someday? 👽 #SpaceX #Tesla”
Join the conversation on Facebook here.
See how the Tesla Roadster continues to inspire conversations online.
The ‘Silliest’ Thing Ever Sent to Space
Musk also wanted to make the launch a bit more fun. What better way to engage the world’s attention than by sending the “silliest” thing imaginable into orbit? The Tesla Roadster, with its sleek design and stunning electric power, was paired with a crash test dummy dressed as an astronaut, aptly named ‘Starman’—a tribute to David Bowie’s iconic song.
An Out-of-This-World Playlist
The car wasn’t just a vehicle for space travel—it was also a mobile music player. The Tesla was outfitted with a sound system that was supposed to play David Bowie’s classic song “Space Oddity” on repeat. Although we all know that sound doesn’t travel in space, and the car’s speakers are effectively useless in the vacuum of space, the symbolism of having an astronaut mannequin listening to Bowie was a delightful touch. Sadly, without the power of an active battery, the song has likely long since stopped playing.
Catch up on more fun space-related events here.
A Collector’s Dream: Quirky Extras Inside the Tesla
In true Musk fashion, the Roadster wasn’t just about sending a car into space. It was packed with quirky extras that made it even more entertaining. Along with Starman, the car contained a Hot Wheels toy car (because why not?), and a copy of the Douglas Adams novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”—a fitting choice for a trip through the cosmos. These objects, seemingly trivial, added to the whimsical nature of the mission, and further cemented the Tesla Roadster’s place in history as a symbol of fun and exploration.
So, Where Is the Tesla Roadster Now?
As of 2025, the Tesla Roadster is still orbiting space, though it’s not as close to Earth as it once was. The car is currently more than 240 million miles away from Earth. Interestingly, it’s actually closer to the Sun than Earth is, with the car sitting at around 151 million miles from the Sun.
Since Earth and the Roadster are on opposite sides of the Sun, the distance between our planet and the car varies. So, while the car may be further away right now, this is a temporary situation—soon, the two will be closer again.
Keep track of the Tesla Roadster’s journey with this live tracking tool.
What Could Happen to the Roadster in the Future?
While many people find the idea of a Tesla Roadster floating in space to be a fun novelty, there are some risks involved. Although the likelihood is low, it’s possible that the car could eventually fall back to Earth. If this were to happen, it could cause significant issues—especially for Elon Musk, who could face scrutiny for sending a private object into space without much regard for its long-term impact on Earth’s environment.
Still, for now, the car remains one of the most iconic and unusual achievements in modern space exploration. In some ways, it serves as a reminder that the boundaries of innovation are only limited by our imaginations.
What’s Next for SpaceX and Space Exploration?
Looking ahead, SpaceX continues to break new ground. From Starship missions to the growing commercial space industry, Musk’s company is pushing the envelope for what humanity can achieve in space. The Tesla Roadster, though an unusual starting point, helped to generate a sense of wonder about space, and many hope it will inspire further exploration in the years to come.
Stay updated on the latest news in space exploration here.
Conclusion: A Car That’s More Than Just a Car
Seven years in space have passed, and the Tesla Roadster remains a symbol of what happens when innovation and imagination collide. It’s more than just a car—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of humanity’s adventurous spirit, and a reminder of what’s possible when you dream big. Whether or not it ever returns to Earth, it will always have its place in the annals of space exploration.
Do you think the Tesla Roadster should return to Earth, or should it stay up there as a marker for future generations? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
Featured Image Credit: SpaceX via Getty Images
