- Tesla warned and then confirmed its October 1 Roadster event would be postponed due to weather.
- The outdoor demonstration is expected to involve SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters.
- Tesla originally promised Roadster production would begin back in 2020.
Tesla has spent nearly nine years finding reasons why its second-generation Roadster isn’t quite ready. This week, Mother Nature provided the latest one. The automaker initially warned guests that its October 1 Roadster event in Texas could be postponed because of bad weather. Then, sure enough, it pulled the plug. That’s right, after seemingly endless delays, there is at least one more. This time, though, the only way to blame Tesla would be to complain that it wouldn’t be an issue had the car arrived at any time in history before this coming Thursday.
An email sent to attendees and shared by DragTimes says Tesla is still looking forward to hosting the event, but warned that the planned experience “must be held outdoors.” As a result, the company says it will need to reschedule two weeks later. The event will now happen on October 15.
More: Tesla Says ‘Go For Launch’ As Roadster Gets Yet Another Reveal Date
Frankly, it’s easy to see why it was a problem. Forecasts for the Waco/McGregor area currently call for thunderstorms on Thursday, with some predicting heavy rain and strong wind gusts. Forecasts can obviously change, but neither sounds particularly compatible with what Tesla reportedly has planned. The brand hasn’t publicly detailed exactly what will happen, but previous reports suggest the centerpiece will be a demonstration of the Roadster’s SpaceX-developed cold-gas thruster system.
The company is reportedly preparing to demonstrate the car hovering remotely with nobody inside. To add to the intrigue, an FAA restriction currently closes airspace around SpaceX’s McGregor test facility from the surface to 10,000 feet. The notice cites “high energy testing operations,” although the notice doesn’t specifically mention Tesla or the Roadster. It also happens to end on October 2, a day after the initially planned reveal.
That helps us understand why Tesla can’t simply do the demonstration indoors. Sure, it would be out of the weather, but thrusters powerful enough to lift, and potentially maneuver, an EV probably aren’t suited for the space. The short window of flight space lockdown also helps to explain the two-week shift. One extra day wasn’t going to help much. Of all the ways for this to potentially go sideways, weather was probably at the bottom of the list for most folks. Meanwhile, Tesla is accepting $50,000 reservations for the car once again. Weather won’t slow the brand down on the front, it seems.
Photos: Tesla
