Does SpaceX have access to a big enough vacuum chamber to make sure nothing in the roadster explodes?
I assume that Elon maintains ownership of the Tesla after its deployed right? At what point could someone decide to 'salvage' it? I was initially thinking about a time capsule in the trunk. But then thought maybe put some things that would appreciate in value. So that the longer its out there the more valuable they become. To actually encourage development of commercial technology to rendezvous and retrieve...at the very least as a 'prize'.Maybe on Elon's death he releases a list of a few things that might encourage retrieval in the distant future? Hopefully the vehicle itself would be left orbiting in space.
If I manage to find the Tesla Roadster in Mars orbit and retrieve it, can I keep it? @elonmusk
Yes
QuoteIf I manage to find the Tesla Roadster in Mars orbit and retrieve it, can I keep it? @elonmuskQuoteYesTweets are not exactly legally binding, but someone's floated the idea to Elon already. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/944783379022540800
Higher resolution images now released by SpaceX
A dark red, carbon fiber bodied <3 m car in interplanetary space will be nigh on impossible to find. A car attached to a white, 4 my 6 meter aluminum second stage has a somewhat greater chance. What would be the advantage of separating other than seeing it drift off?Given the Elon-logic of launching his car onto space, that may be enough
P.S.: On second though, maybe a silly question. Perhaps it's the only way it fits.
Quote from: dodo on 12/24/2017 05:02 pmP.S.: On second though, maybe a silly question. Perhaps it's the only way it fits.Yeah. I think if you scroll back you can find NSF renders on a slanted orientation from before the Elon reveal, based solely on the published payload volume and the roadster dimensions. (And the fact that the jack points on the bottom frame of the car are the logical lift points.)
It would make some more sense to me to maximize the publicity for Tesla to launch the new roadster than the old one which is no longer available to buy.
Quote from: First Mate Rummey on 12/24/2017 11:33 amIt would make some more sense to me to maximize the publicity for Tesla to launch the new roadster than the old one which is no longer available to buy.There's no such thing as a new roadster unless you wait until 2020. I think using a new car (for models they are currently making) would be a real blunder given that Teslas tend to have long delivery times.
Quote from: mme on 12/24/2017 06:54 pmQuote from: First Mate Rummey on 12/24/2017 11:33 amIt would make some more sense to me to maximize the publicity for Tesla to launch the new roadster than the old one which is no longer available to buy.There's no such thing as a new roadster unless you wait until 2020. I think using a new car (for models they are currently making) would be a real blunder given that Teslas tend to have long delivery times.There is a prototype of new roadster.
That could create some level of demand to go to Mars (i.e. to retrieve something of potential value). Maybe not a $1B worth, but little by little Musk is likely enticing people to go to Mars...
The inner fairing is 4,6m the car is 3,946 mm x 1,873 mm. The hypotenuse is 4,367. Clearance is a bit tight but on space technology should be fine.
Quote from: Jimmy Murdok on 12/24/2017 08:15 pmThe inner fairing is 4,6m the car is 3,946 mm x 1,873 mm. The hypotenuse is 4,367. Clearance is a bit tight but on space technology should be fine.There is no “hypotenuse” 😉From above the car fits nicely in a circle the diameter of its length. But your conclusion is correct.