What appeared to be a thrilling discovery of a mysterious new asteroid turned out to be something far less cosmic—but no less fascinating. A Tesla Roadster, launched into orbit by SpaceX in 2018, was mistaken for a Near-Earth Object (NEO) by astronomers before the truth was uncovered. This case sheds light on how human-made objects in space can easily confuse even seasoned scientists.
How a Car Became an “Asteroid”
On January 2, the Minor Planet Center (MPC) announced the discovery of an object dubbed 2018 CN41, initially believed to be a newly identified asteroid. Spotted by an amateur astronomer in Turkey, the object’s trajectory brought it within 150,000 miles of Earth—closer than the Moon. This proximity earned it the classification of a Near-Earth Object.
The excitement surrounding the find was short-lived. Hours later, the MPC withdrew the announcement, revealing that the “asteroid” was actually the upper stage of a Falcon Heavy rocket carrying Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster. The car, complete with a mannequin in a spacesuit nicknamed Starman, had been orbiting the Sun for nearly seven years after being launched as a test payload.
The initial discovery was submitted by a Turkish amateur astronomer, known only as “G,” who believed the object to be a legitimate asteroid. However, upon closer examination of its orbit, the unusual object failed to match the patterns of typical asteroids. “I double-checked databases for Earth and Mars flybys, but nothing matched,” G explained to Astronomy. “The possibility that it was the Falcon Heavy never crossed my mind.”
Renowned astronomer Jonathan McDowell, from the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, quickly suspected the object could be Falcon Heavy’s upper stage. Following confirmation, the MPC amended its records, deleting 2018 CN41 and reclassifying it as a human-made object.
Why Artificial Objects Keep Fooling Scientists
This isn’t the first time astronomers have confused space debris with asteroids. Past instances include NASA’s Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and the Rosetta spacecraft, which were both mistaken for celestial objects. Even active missions, like BepiColombo and Lucy, have been briefly misclassified before corrections were made.
Such errors highlight an important challenge: the lack of a unified database for tracking human-made objects in deep space. The MPC has previously expressed frustration over this issue, stating, “A centralized system for tracking distant artificial objects would be highly beneficial.”
The Tesla Roadster’s launch on February 6, 2018, was an iconic moment for SpaceX. Elon Musk’s personal car was chosen as a symbolic payload for the Falcon Heavy rocket’s maiden flight. Outfitted with cameras capturing breathtaking images of Earth and space, the car also carried a memorable touch—a mannequin driver inspired by David Bowie’s Starman.
Now orbiting the Sun, the Tesla Roadster occasionally crosses paths with Earth’s vicinity, rekindling curiosity about its unusual journey. While its appearance in space catalogs may cause occasional confusion, it also serves as a reminder of humanity’s growing footprint beyond our planet.
As human activity in space increases, the likelihood of similar incidents will grow. Space debris, defunct satellites, and rocket stages now populate orbital paths, creating challenges for astronomers and space agencies alike. Better tracking systems are essential to prevent such confusion and ensure the safety of future missions.
By understanding the unintended consequences of launching human-made objects into space, scientists are advocating for improved methods to differentiate between artificial and natural celestial bodies.
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