Elon Musk and Space X made history when they announced they had successfully sent a Tesla into space. Last year’s successful launch of their Falcon Heavy rocket means humans are closer than ever to colonizing mars and exploring the furthest reaches of our universe. But the question that many people were asking was, did Elon Musk really send a car into space?
The answer is yes, a Tesla electric car was sent on its way to the planet Mars. The project was developer by a collaboration between many leading players of the global space industry. This includes aerospace and defense companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, as well as independent private companies like SpaceX. The collaboration that was formed for this project had been planned since 2012 and the first test launch of the car took place in 2018 with the launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket.
The rocket launch included a live stream that was seen by millions around the world on fans waited with held breadth as the spaceship blasted off and eventually reached outer space. Elon Musk also made sure to give his car, a cherry red Tesla Roadster, a company on the trip as it was strapped to the outside of the rocket. Once launched, the car orbited around the Earth, before eventually being thrust off toward the planet Mars, a spectacular sight to say the least.
In an interview with the BBC, an aerospace engineering expert spoke about the flight of the car. He told the BBC that “This is currently one of the most ambitious projects ever attempted. The success of this mission will most likely pave the way for more engineers to attempt more ambitious projects such as space tourism and exploration.” The expert also mused on the idea of the mannequin, named “Starman”, being able to view the journey in its entirety and think “This is awesome!”
The car was actually quite dangerous, as it was loaded with enough fuel to cause a potential nuclear blast if something had gone wrong during the launch. However, too everyone’s relief, the car made it safely into space. As of the time of writing, the car is still travelling in deep space and will eventually reach the destination of Mars.
The success of the project was not easy. The rocket had taken many years of planning and hard work by some of the best engineers and scientists in the world. And of course, Elon Musk’s own technological genius also played a huge role in the success of the launch. But still, the question remains: How did Elon Musk manage to send a car into space?
The answer can be attributed to the many innovative technological solutions that the project utilised. From a powerful engine, to the advanced navigation system, each aspect of the car and its journey relied on some of the most advanced and sophisticated technology available. The engine, designed and manufactured by SpaceX, was able to provide an incredible amount of power whilst also managing to achieve high efficiency.
The navigation system was also incredibly sophisticated and allowed the car to be launched and guided with pinpoint precision, keeping it on track and heading towards Mars. The engineers also took into account things such as solar flares and other interferences that can disrupt the performance of the rocket, and adjusted the system accordingly.
Economics
It is also worth noting that putting a car into space is not something you do on a whim. The costs of launching a rocket are amongst the most expensive and dangerous projects undertaken in modern times, in the ballpark of hundred of millions of dollars. The entire project was funded mainly by private companies, with governments from all around the world providing additional funds and necessary resources.
Despite the high cost, the project was seen as economically beneficial in the long run due to the potential applications of the technology used. The navigation system and engines developed in the project can be used in other projects and can save companies a great deal of time and money when planning intricate space missions. The project has also attracted more investment in the space industry, bringing more money into the sector and furthering our progress towards space exploration.
Cultural Impact
The sheer public awareness of Elon Musk’s project can not be overstated, as it was one of the most popular events of 2018. Social media was flooded with people expressing their awe as the rocket blasted off, and the image of the car cruising its way through the stars captivated people from all walks of life. In its wake, it has also left a new generation of space exploration enthusiasts, dreaming of distant galaxies and the possibilities of living on other planets.
The global media also seized the opportunity to interview Elon Musk and discuss the implications of sending a car into space. Many leading physicists, engineers and others within the scientific community contributed their own thoughts and opinions, adding to both the public discussion as well as the knowledge base within their field. The project has also galvanised global governments to consider the funding of space exploration and to consider the possibility of colonizing Mars.
Tesla & SpaceX Relationship
One interesting aspect to consider is the relationship between Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer owned by Elon Musk, and SpaceX, the aerospace company that he is the CEO of. Interestingly, according to reports, the Falcon heavy rocket currently uses some of the same components as those used in Tesla vehicles. This may have been used as a cost saving measure, as the expensive technology used in Tesla vehicles can be adapted and used for aerospace applications.
The project has also helped to strengthen the bond between the two companies. Tesla has been working on projects related to Space X for many years, from providing parts and components to developing new software and hardware to improve the technology used in rockets.
Impact On Future Exploration
It goes without saying that sending a car into space has been a huge step for humanity in terms of space exploration. Once the car reaches its destination, it will mark a milestone in our history as a species. It will have also have shown us the potential of human ingenuity and collaboration when it comes to overcoming seemingly impossible barriers.
The project will also likely serve as a blueprint for future projects in the space exploration industry. From creating more cost-effective rockets, to improving the navigation and power systems, the success of this mission will likely put us one step closer to exploring the depths of outer space.
Legacy
The legacy of the project will likely be remembered for many years to come, as it was one of the most iconic moments of the last decade. Beyond its clear historical importance, the project has also served as a reminder of the possibilities of human creativity and cooperation when tackling ambitious projects such as space exploration and colonizing other worlds.
It is also inspiring to see the way Elon Musk has made such huge advances in space exploration and how he has inspired so many others to take up a career in STEM fields. The success of his projects is sure to continue, and ensure that the dream of space travel and exploring the depths of our universe becomes a reality.
