Tesla’s flying Roadster: How does it work?

Oct 16, 2026 Elon Musk’s next-generation electric sports car has stunned audiences with a mid-air flip, a brief flight and a controlled landing.

A Car that flips and takes flight

Oct 16, 2026 At a SpaceX facility in Texas, the Roadster drove along a curved ramp, travelled upside down and then launched into the air.

10 Thrusters power the stunt

Oct 16, 2026 The Roadster’s flight-capable configuration reportedly uses 10 SpaceX-developed thrusters connected to a compressed-air system. These direct gas through nozzles to generate thrust and control the car’s movement.

Newton’s third law makes it fly

When compressed gas shoots downwards, it generates an opposing force that pushes the car upwards. Carefully directed bursts can also help the vehicle rotate and stabilise during a brief airborne manoeuvre.

How Does It Stay on the Ramp?

Oct 16, 2026 The demonstration also featured a fan-powered suction system that helped the Roadster grip a curved track while upside down. Thrusters then enabled the car’s brief aerial flip.

0–60 mph in Just One Second?

Oct 16, 2026 Tesla showcased an acceleration claim of 0–60 mph in one second, alongside the aerial demonstration. However, the flight system’s endurance, safety and performance in everyday conditions remain unproven.

Oct 16, 2026 Tesla is targeting production in 2028. The Roadster’s demonstration marks an ambitious engineering experiment, but regulatory approval, safety and practical flight capabilities remain major questions.