Tesla demonstrated a modified Roadster equipped with four SpaceX rocket thrusters during a test at a Texas facility on Thursday night.
Tesla demonstrated a modified Roadster equipped with four SpaceX rocket thrusters during a test at a Texas facility on Thursday night. The vehicle, developed in collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers, used the thrusters to ascend after descending an inverted ramp, then executed a midair maneuver before landing on a test track. Executives described the trial as a milestone in integrating aerospace technology with automotive design. The demonstration included a rapid acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under one second, though the car remained grounded for most of its operational history. Tesla emphasized that the flight-capable variant is not intended for public roads and is available only through an invitation-only reservation program requiring a $250,000 commitment within ten days of booking. The company has not announced a timeline for broader availability or regulatory approval. Musk indicated plans to begin production of the Roadster in 2028, though no further details about certification or deployment have been provided.
- Publisher
- washingtonpost
- Reliability
- high
- Published
- 10/17/2026, 1:11:56 PM
- Retrieved
- 10/17/2026, 1:11:56 PM
- Relevance
- 80%
- Confidence
- 85%

