Tesla Demonstrates Flying Roadster with Rocket Thruster Technology, Raising Safety Concerns

PothikTV News Desk: 18 October 2026, 9:04 am

Tesla has sparked worldwide discussion after demonstrating the flying capabilities of its new Roadster electric car. The vehicle is designed to reach top speeds exceeding 230 miles per hour and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second. Beyond its extreme acceleration, the car features specialized suction technology allowing it to drive upside down, as well as rocket thrusters that enable it to lift off the ground and hover in mid-air.

According to information from Tesla, the thruster technology is modeled after SpaceX designs. The top-tier “Rocket” version of the car will feature up to 10 thrusters. However, this variant will not be available for general commercial sale and will only be sold to selected individuals after production begins in 2028. During a recent demonstration, the Roadster showcased its thruster capabilities by turning upside down, righting itself, and jumping over a row of lined-up vehicles.

The Roadster relies on specialized tanks known as Carbon-Fiber Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPV) to power its rocket thrusters. These tanks store air under extremely high pressure, which is then rapidly released through cold-gas thrusters to generate opposing force. Unlike conventional rockets, cold-gas thrusters do not burn fuel to generate thrust. SpaceX has used similar cold-gas thrusters for years, including in the recovery of its Falcon 9 rocket boosters.

Despite the demonstration showing the vehicle jumping, balancing mid-air, and landing, Tesla has not released detailed information regarding how long the Roadster can stay airborne. It remains unclear whether the car can sustain flight beyond brief maneuvers, making the idea of commuting over city traffic unrealistic for now.

The integration of rocket thrusters on a road vehicle has drawn sharp criticism and raised severe safety concerns. Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk acknowledged that safety was not the top priority during the initial development phase of the vehicle. Asked whether the car would be road-legal, Musk stated that it depends on which specific roads it is driven on.

Tesla’s website lists the single-seat “Rocket” version, equipped with 10 thrusters, as unauthorized for public road use. A two-seat “Thrust” version featuring fewer thrusters will see a limited commercial release, while a standard “Performance” version without rocket thrusters will be fully road-legal.

Experts point out substantial physical dangers associated with the thruster system. The four rear thrusters on the Rocket version can collectively generate over 80 kilonewtons of force, equivalent to the impact of a nine-ton object. The massive force of the air blast could cause severe injuries, including broken bones or internal organ damage, to nearby pedestrians. Additionally, engaging the thrusters at a traffic light could severely damage trailing vehicles.

Further hazards stem from debris. High-velocity gas exhaust from the thrusters could kick up dust, stones, and small objects from the road surface, launching them like bullets toward surrounding people and vehicles. Questions also remain regarding passenger safety inside the cabin during aerial flips or maneuvers, which may require specialized restraints similar to those used on roller coasters rather than standard vehicle seats.