Tesla Roadster Integrates SpaceX Thruster Technology
Tesla's next-generation Roadster, featuring SpaceX cold-gas thrusters, was seen at SpaceX's Hawthorne headquarters for engineering validation, with production targeted for 2028.
Tesla's next-generation Roadster was spotted at SpaceX's Hawthorne headquarters on Wednesday, less than two weeks after its unveiling in Texas. The vehicle's appearance highlights the deep technical integration between the two companies, specifically through the use of SpaceX-developed cold-gas thruster technology for performance augmentation.
The Roadster uses cold gas thrusters fed by composite overwrapped pressure vessels, the same type used on the Falcon 9 rocket. This system is designed to provide additional downforce and acceleration. The car was parked outdoors beside Falcon 9 rocket booster B1019, the first orbital-class booster to land on December 21, 2015, which was raised upright as a permanent monument in August 2016. The proximity of SpaceX's Hawthorne headquarters to Tesla's design studio makes the location a natural crossover point, and this appearance marks a meaningful shift from years of near-total silence surrounding the project.
Performance and Specifications
The Roadster delivers extreme acceleration, with performance varying by model. The base Performance model relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip, while higher-tier versions use the thruster systems.
| Model | 0-60 mph Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust | Under 0.9 seconds | Limited release |
| Rocket | Under 0.59 seconds | Invite only |
Production and Availability
Tesla plans to begin Roadster production in 2028. The company has set this year as a production target, according to previous reports. The Thrust model is listed as a limited release, while the Rocket version remains invite only.
Tesla-SpaceX Collaboration
The Hawthorne appearance reflects ongoing technical collaboration. Tesla officially unveiled and demonstrated the Roadster at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas test facility on October 15, 2026. The car is now circulating more broadly within the Tesla-SpaceX ecosystem for engineering validation and design sign-off. Tesla's Hawthorne design studio is responsible for final aesthetic reviews before production preparation.
Elon Musk commented on a separate development, stating, "The growth of Optimus is an S curve, but the initial curve is a shallow slope." He also noted, "A big difference with Optimus versus the cars is we don't have this vast fleet of cars from which we can gather training data." The Roadster will be on public display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27.
