Astronomers recently detected what appeared to be a potentially hazardous asteroid just 240,000 km from Earth. However, upon closer examination, they discovered it was actually the Tesla Roadster that Elon Musk launched into space in 2018 aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket.

This vehicle, with a mannequin nicknamed "Starman" at the wheel, became a SpaceX experiment to demonstrate the capabilities of its heavy-lift launch vehicle. Since then, it has orbited the Sun in an elliptical trajectory, occasionally crossing Mars' orbit and returning to Earth's vicinity. It is estimated that the car has traveled hundreds of millions of kilometers in space, exposed to radiation and micrometeorite impacts, which have likely deteriorated its structure over time.

Although its impact with our planet is highly improbable, its reappearance near Earth has sparked debate about space debris and the need to monitor artificial objects in space. As more private companies explore space, astronomers emphasize the importance of monitoring these objects to prevent future risks. The presence of this Tesla in space serves as a reminder of increasing human activity beyond Earth and the importance of developing sustainable strategies for space exploration.