Tesla Roadster with cold gas thrusters performs jump

A Tesla Roadster equipped with cold gas thrusters powered by compressed air jumped over six vehicles, including a Semi truck, at the SpaceX site in McGregor on October 15, 2026. The demonstration showcased the vehicle's ability to perform aerial maneuvers using technology developed by SpaceX.

Thrusters and compressed air specifications

The "Rocket" version of the Roadster carries two carbon fiber tanks with a total capacity of 600 liters. The compressed air weighs approximately 250 kilograms and powers ten cold gas thrusters distributed around the chassis. SpaceX provides the thrusters, which come from the same technology as its rockets. Tesla has not disclosed the storage pressure.

Prototype demonstration details

During the presentation, a first prototype climbed a ramp, flipped over, and adhered to the top before descending again. To accommodate the equipment, Tesla removed the passenger seat. Screenshots taken during the jump show a smooth underside, apparently lacking the suction system announced. The manufacturer claims, however, a suction device capable of pressing the body to the ceiling. No journalist examined the vehicle after the demonstration.

Mannequin used as driver

A mannequin in a SpaceX suit served as the driver during the demonstration. This choice highlights the experimental nature of the project and the focus on the vehicle's performance rather than human operation.

Criticism from AI researcher

Yann LeCun, a Turing Award winner and AI researcher, published a calculation on the X network. According to him, the onboard reserve would allow only five to ten seconds of flight, making the vehicle unrealizable on roads. Compressed air offers a specific impulse much lower than that of aviation kerosene. Even if the air represented the...