Summary
- Tesla roadster launched into orbit mislabeled as an asteroid by research center
- Minor Planet Center later deleted the entry after realizing it was the Roadster, not an asteroid
- CEO Elon Musk’s Roadster was launched into space by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy in 2018
- Roadster equipped with a dummy named "Starman" and cameras to provide video footage
- SpaceX continues to develop rocket programs, focusing on Starship reusable rocket and expanding facilities in Bastrop, Texas
Article
A Tesla Roadster that was launched into orbit years ago was mistakenly labeled an asteroid by the Minor Planet Center (MPC) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The Roadster, launched by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy booster in 2018, was spotted less than 150,000 miles from Earth. The MPC initially labeled it as an asteroid, naming it 2018 CN41 and qualifying it as a near-Earth object (NEO). However, the MPC later corrected the entry and stated that the Roadster would be deleted from the record as it was not an asteroid, but rather a vehicle sent into space by Elon Musk and Tesla.
Elon Musk responded to the news of the mislabeling by stating, “My car is orbiting Earth and Mars,” and adding a shrugging emoji. The Roadster, equipped with a dummy named “Starman” and a few cameras, has been in orbit since its launch and has provided video footage of its journey. The Falcon Heavy launch of the Roadster marked a significant moment in space exploration and technology, showcasing SpaceX’s capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space travel.
Since the launch of the Roadster, SpaceX has continued to develop its rocket programs, including the Starship reusable rocket. The company recently faced a setback when the rocket was lost during its seventh launch. However, SpaceX is working on expanding its facilities in Texas to increase production of its Starlink satellite internet systems. The company’s ambitious plans for the future of space travel and exploration demonstrate its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the industry.
The mislabeling of the Roadster as an asteroid highlights the unique nature of the vehicle’s journey and the impact it has had on space exploration. Elon Musk’s vision for the Roadster to orbit Earth and Mars symbolizes the intersection of technology, innovation, and imagination in the field of space travel. The Roadster’s continued presence in orbit serves as a reminder of the possibilities that exist beyond our planet and the advancements being made in space exploration.
As SpaceX continues to push forward with its rocket programs and expand its capabilities, the Roadster remains a symbol of the company’s commitment to innovation and exploration. The mislabeling incident serves as a humorous anecdote in the larger story of SpaceX’s achievements and the potential for further advancements in space travel. Elon Musk’s vision for the future of space exploration, as exemplified by the Roadster’s journey, reflects the ongoing efforts to expand humanity’s presence beyond Earth and explore the cosmos.
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