HomeLibraryRe-entered SatellitesTesla Roadster
🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD

Tesla Roadster

Re-entered 7 Feb 2018

Tesla Roadster (NORAD 43205, COSPAR 2018-017A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 2018, launched on 6 Feb 2018 on the Tesla Roadster mission. It was operated by SPX as part of the SpX Test programme. The spacecraft was built by TESLA on the Roadster bus, with a mass of 1,000 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

2018
launched
2018
re-entered
0
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched6 Feb 2018 · on the Tesla Roadster mission
Operational7 Feb 2018 · entered service
Retired7 Feb 2018 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Feb 2018 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID43205
COSPAR2018-017A
TypeSatellite
OperatorSPX
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerTESLA
BusRoadster
Mass1,000 kg
ProgrammeSpX Test
CategoryTECH
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude180 × 6,939 km
Inclination29.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Tesla Roadster?

Tesla Roadster re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 2018, ending a mission that began with its launch in 2018. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Tesla Roadster re-enter the atmosphere?

Tesla Roadster re-entered on 7 Feb 2018, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Tesla Roadster?

Tesla Roadster was operated by SPX and built by TESLA (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.