In a cosmic case of mistaken identity, astronomers recently scrambled to track a mysterious “near-Earth object” – only to discover it was Elon Musk’s cherry-red Tesla Roadster cruising through space since its 2018 Falcon Heavy launch. The electric vehicle-turned-celestial body caused brief alarm when automated detection systems flagged its trajectory as potential asteroid 2018-017A.
The viral spacefarer – carrying a spacesuit-clad mannequin named Starman – has traveled over 4 billion miles since becoming SpaceX’s unconventional payload. While NASA confirms zero collision risk, its elliptical orbit brings it within 0.35 astronomical units of Earth every 557 days. “This highlights challenges in distinguishing artificial objects from natural phenomena,” said Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.
From Garage to Galaxy
The original 2008 Tesla Roadster revolutionized electric vehicles as:
- First highway-legal lithium-ion production car (244-mile range)
- 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds via 288 hp electric motor
- 2,450 units sold globally before production ended in 2012
Now valued at $79K-$99K on the used market, these pioneering EVs gained new fame when Musk launched his personal Roadster into heliocentric orbit during SpaceX’s 2018 Falcon Heavy test flight.
Next-Gen Speed Demon
As Starman’s chariot continues its solar journey, Tesla prepares to launch its $200K+ 2026 Roadster featuring:
| Spec | Projection |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | <1.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250+ mph |
| Range | 620 miles (200 kWh battery) |
| Seating | 2+2 configuration |
The delayed model now targets late 2024 prototypes ahead of 2025 production, promising four-motor all-wheel drive and removable glass roof panels.
