SpaceX’s ninth Starship flight, launched in May 2025, marked another giant leap in reusable space travel. For the first time, the massive Super Heavy booster was reused, lifting off powerfully from Texas and achieving a near-flawless stage separation. Although both the booster and Starship experienced issues on their return, with the booster exploding into the Gulf and Starship breaking up during re-entry the mission delivered invaluable data. It also proved how far SpaceX has come in building resilient spacecraft that can be flown more than once, much like how commercial airplanes are used repeatedly. This level of innovation is setting the stage for more cost-effective and frequent missions to space, and it’s redefining what humanity believes is possible with engineering.
But what’s even more fascinating is how this spacefaring innovation trickles down to Earth, especially into Tesla’s high-performance cars like the Model S Plaid. There’s a growing history of shared technology between SpaceX and Tesla. In fact, electric motors from Tesla vehicles have been used in Starship’s moving parts, like its wing flaps and steering fins. Components such as batteries and electronics, originally designed for road cars, are now helping spacecraft stay agile and responsive during flight. This surprising crossover reveals just how much synergy exists between the two companies, not just in their vision, but in the nuts and bolts of their machines. It’s a unique relationship where innovation isn’t siloed, it flows freely between the stars and the streets.
On the flip side, some of the materials and strategies honed through rocket development are making their way into Tesla’s vehicles. The lightweight aluminum used in both rockets and Plaid models isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a calculated move to optimize strength while reducing weight. And the in-house engineering culture that fuels both companies means that lessons from space, whether in propulsion, thermal control, or energy density, could easily spark the next leap in automotive performance. Tesla isn’t simply building electric cars; it’s engineering machines inspired by the demands of outer space, which means they’re built to be fast, efficient, and extremely durable. This kind of thinking helps Tesla stay well ahead of the curve.
So while the Model S Plaid might not be launching into orbit anytime soon, there’s a real sense that its DNA shares roots with rockets. The speed, precision, and innovation behind SpaceX’s Starship are quietly influencing the way Tesla builds its fastest, most cutting-edge vehicles. As both companies continue to push boundaries, the line between space tech and street tech grows ever thinner. It’s no longer just about reaching Mars or going from 0 to 60 in under two seconds, it’s about how the boldest ideas from one frontier can ignite revolutions in another. In this Tesla-SpaceX fusion, the road ahead might just be written in rocket fuel.
