Elon Musk’s Tesla has been drifting through space since 2018 at over 11,000 mph—carrying music, books, and a spark of humor from one of tech’s most ambitious minds.
More than just a car: Tesla’s out-of-this-world launch
In 2018, Elon Musk made headlines by doing something no one expected—he launched his personal Tesla Roadster into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
Instead of using a traditional payload, he opted for what he called the “silliest thing” he could think of.
The result? A cherry-red electric sports car, complete with a mannequin named Starman in a spacesuit, now floating endlessly through the cosmos.
Where is the roadster now?
Yes, the car is still out there. And thanks to the “Where is Roadster?” website, anyone can track its current location and speed:
- Distance from Earth: ~231 million miles
- Current speed: ~11,371 mph, heading toward Mars
- Solar orbits completed: Nearly 5
Despite covering interplanetary distances, the Roadster hasn’t technically exceeded its 36,000-mile warranty—and still boasts a fuel economy of 0.0 miles per gallon.
A soundtrack for the stars: starman’s cosmic companion
If the car’s battery were still functioning, Starman would have listened to:
- David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”: 710,150 times
- “Life on Mars?”: 956,000 times
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (audiobook): 10,723 times
Inside the glovebox is a physical copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, just in case a curious traveler stumbles upon it.
A Hot Wheels mini model of the Tesla Roadster sits on the dashboard, adding a playful touch to the cosmic ride.
A symbol of imagination, technology, and boldness
Where is Roadster? https://t.co/FUQ5d58Yvv
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 4, 2025
Long before he acquired the X platform, Musk posted online asking what should be launched into space.
In the end, he went with his own daily driver from Austin, Texas.
That same Tesla he once used to commute became a cultural icon orbiting the Sun.
The Roadster’s journey isn’t just a clever PR stunt—it represents the intersection of creativity, technology, and the belief that no idea is too far out.