Elon Musk and His Roadster
Elon Musk, billionaire engineer and entrepreneur, is best known as the founder and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. But what many fans of his have recently become aware of is his foray into space exploration, in the guise of a roadster. On February 6th, 2018, SpaceX launched its most powerful rocket to date, the Falcon Heavy, and on top of it was a cherry red roadster, with a dummy wearing a SpaceX-branded space suit in the driver’s seat. This was an attempt to demonstrate that space exploration is within the grasp of entrepreneurs, and although the notion may seem absurd, just six months later, the Roadster completed its first orbit of the Sun.
Using the laws of gravity, Musk calculated the orbit his roadster would take, with the help of six thrusters in the back of the vehicle, to push it along its path. Five of the six thrusters have since burned out, which has somewhat altered the trajectory of the Roadster. Still, the Roadster has ploughed onward, having made its way close to the asteroid belt, flying through space to destinations unknown.
Where is the Roadster Now?
As of April 2021, the Roadster – affectionately known as ‘Starman’ – has completed 17 orbits around the sun and is currently traversing towards the Heliosphere, approximately 3.2 billion miles away from Earth. Travelling at more than 50,000 mph, far beyond our atmosphere, the Roadster will not be encumbered by even the most impressive of Earthly forces like wind resistance, G-forces, and immense temperatures. This means it will continue to fly through space, profiting from the vacuum effect until such time that it is forced to stop, or – hopefully – land on a distant planet, asteroid or exoplanet someday.
The Roadster has been reported to have toured millions of miles of space by various scientific bodies, along with being photographed by cameras fitted onto satellites in orbit around the Earth. Reports even suggest that the Roadster has made multiple trips beyond the orbit of Mars, which is a further testament to Elon Musk’s ambition to explore the heavens and make space accessible.
Roadster’s Effect on Future Space Exploration
Many experts in the field of space exploration have expressed their approval of Elon Musk’s mission and its implications for the future of space exploration. Professor Elomari of the Physics Department of King Faisal University believes that it has opened up a new world of possibilities in space exploration, allowing us to better understand its boundaries and challenge our perceptions of the universe. It made us realise that, in the right hands, a regular car can also become an interplanetary explorer. Certainly, this act has inspired many to enroll in astronomy and rocket studies, with some universities even introducing courses specifically tailored to the exploration of space by private individuals.
At the same time, Professor Elomari cautions us against the immediate application of this method of exploration, arguing that, although Elon Musk’s experiment has been successful, there are no guarantees it will work in other cases. He also expressed concern about how the Roadster will interact with outer space as it passes through, as it may cause environmental damage. “The only way we can know for sure is to wait and see how this mission plays out.”
Musk and SpaceX React to Roadster’s Journey
Elon Musk has made no secret of his enthusiasm for the mission and what it means for the future of space exploration. Speaking in 2018, he remarked, “The mission is not just about getting the Roadster to space; it’s about inspiring people to think beyond the bounds of what they thought was possible. This is a mission that was not just an experiment but an opportunity to show people that something previously only dreamed of can become a reality.”
SpaceX, meanwhile, continues to refer to the mission as a “grand technological demonstration” of their engineering and capability. A statement from the company reads, “The Roadster and Starman’s journey into the depths of space is a significant technological achievement and a lasting testament of our vision to extend human reach beyond Earth and inspire the next generation of space exploration.”
Will the Roadster Survive its Odyssey?
As the Roadster continues its long odyssey, it may eventually succumb to physical forces that are beyond our control. It is pummeled with cosmic dust and radiation, leading to its gradual disintegration, although, by having been built out of titanium and other durable materials, it can survive much longer than expected. Professor Elomari has said that, in the unlikely event that the Roadster survives, it could easily traverse the solar system and spend decades orbiting around the sun. Some experts have speculated that the Roadster may even be able to travel the universe, although the probability of this is, quite literally, out of this world.
The Roadster’s Effects on Our Understanding of the Universe
Musk’s Roadster has drastically changed our perception of the universe and how we explore it. By demonstrating the potential of space exploration and pushing the boundaries of what we thought was achievable, Elon Musk has forced us to take a deeper look into the potential of human-led exploration. Through the Roadster, he has shown that technology and determination can go hand in hand in making remarkable progress in space exploration.
The mission of the Roadster has also sent a strong message to the world. In an age where governments have budget issues and larger-scale space exploration can be hindered by politics, its effects can be life-changing. Looking back at the Roadster’s journey, it symbolizes just how far we have come as a species, and how we no longer have to be limited by our environment and our imaginations. Elon Musk’s Roadster made that possible.
The Roadster’s Legacy
The Roadster is more than just a vehicle: it’s an inspiration to the scientific community. It has unravelled endless possibilities in space exploration and demonstrated the potential of engineering, which can be applied to develop more remarkable projects in the future. As of this writing, its mission continues with no known end date in sight, and scientists continuing to marvel at its impressive achievements.
It is difficult to predict just how far the roadster will go in its journey before it eventually fades away. What is certain, however, is that Elon Musk’s Roadster and its journey will be remembered for decades to come, inspiring the generations to come of what we can achieve in the wide expanse of space.
Impact on Space Tourism
In the future, we may witness a dramatic increase in the number of space tourists. If entrepreneurs are able to capitalise on Musk’s ambition, there is no telling how far they might someday be able to fly. New companies such as Virgin Galactic, formed by Richard Branson, are also beginning to take off, offering packages to tourists wishing to experience space for themselves. Moreover, Elon Musk has recently announced plans for the first manned flight of SpaceX Falcon Heavy, which would make it possible for SpaceX to offer space tourism services – though its actual implementation remains uncertain.
As the concept of space tourism catches on, companies are already working on ways to make this type of travel safer and more affordable. Developers are looking into more efficient engines and more durable materials for space craft, as well as potentially revolutionary fuel sources like antimatter. These technologies will undoubtedly revolutionise the way we explore space, which is what Elon Musk’s roadster set out to accomplish.
The Role of Private Enterprises
Private companies and entrepreneurs have always been at the forefront of innovation in the space industry. Musk’s Roadster proves that, with the right engineering, technology, and ambition, individuals can achieve otherwise impossible feats. As of this writing, there are a number of high-profile billionaires who have been investing in private space exploration initiatives, such as Jeff Bezos, who provides millions of dollars in funding for Blue Origin, his space exploration venture.
These private space exploration initiatives offer opportunities that governments have not yet been able to, making it possible for exploration to occur at a much faster and more efficient pace. Such companies are already making new advances in key areas such as space navigation, telescopes, and robotic exploration. We can expect to see more revolutionary developments unfold as the enthusiasm for space exploration continues.
The Roadster’s Future
It’s likely that the Roadster will continue its interplanetary journey for many years to come and continue to be tracked by both SpaceX and independent organizations monitoring its trajectory. With no known end in sight, the roadster serves as an excellent reminder of the potential of space exploration and the courage that entrepreneurs have to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Although the end of the Roadster may be uncertain, its impact on the perception of space exploration has been extraordinary and will continue to be felt for many years to come. Having exceeded all expectations, the effects of Elon Musk’s Roadster on the space industry will remain in our memory for the foreseeable future.
