A recent mix-up at the Minor Planet Center (MPC) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics led to a Tesla Roadster being mistakenly labeled as an asteroid. The orbital Tesla Roadster, known as 2018 CN41, was spotted less than 150,000 miles from Earth, causing astronomers to initially classify it as a near-Earth object (NEO).
However, it was later revealed that the object in question was actually Elon Musk’s original Roadster, which was launched into space in February 2018 by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy booster. Equipped with a dummy dubbed “Starman” and a few cameras, the Roadster has been orbiting Earth and Mars ever since.
Elon Musk took to social media to joke about the situation, stating, “My car is orbiting Earth and Mars,” along with a shrugging emoji. The Roadster’s journey has captured the imagination of many, with some speculating that it could eventually reach Mars or even beyond.
Since the Roadster’s launch, SpaceX has continued to make strides in its rocket programs. The company recently lost a rocket during its seventh launch of the Starship reusable rocket. Despite setbacks, SpaceX is forging ahead with plans to expand its facilities in Bastrop, Texas, with the goal of doubling production of its Starlink satellite internet systems by 2025.
The mislabeling of the Tesla Roadster as an asteroid serves as a reminder of the unique intersection of technology and space exploration that Elon Musk and SpaceX have brought to the forefront. As the Roadster continues its journey through space, it remains a symbol of innovation and ambition in the realm of space travel.