Tesla Roadster thrusters enable controlled flips and jumps without public road approval
Tesla reintroduced its delayed Roadster on October 15 with a Rocket trim featuring air thrusters for aerial maneuvers that remain unapproved for public roads.
Thruster system mechanics and limits
The vehicle uses two high-pressure air tanks and ten nozzles to move and stabilize itself during flight-like stunts. These thrusters fire compressed air to allow the car to perform controlled falling, jumping, and flipping maneuvers. The full thruster setup is available only on the Rocket trim, while the Thruster trim places units only at the rear.
Historical context from missile defense
Lockheed Martin developed similar thruster technology for Multiple Kill Vehicles starting in earnest after winning a contract in 2004. Experimental missile defense systems have utilized these propulsion methods since at least the early 2000s to hunt ballistic missiles.
Performance trim lacks propulsion
The Performance version of the Roadster does not include any thruster equipment. Tesla states that the air tanks can refill themselves, though this capability applies to the models equipped with the system.
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