Elon Musk's Tesla

Lore & Background

The Tesla Roadster is a symbol of Commander Lewis's personal wealth and taste, launched as part of the Ares III mission's cargo. It is not a rover or scientific instrument but a luxury car, reflecting the novel's theme of human resilience and the unexpected ways we cope with isolation. The car remains on Mars after the crew's emergency departure, becoming a silent witness to Mark Watney's struggle for survival. Its presence is a poignant contrast between the sterile Martian landscape and the vibrant, familiar object from Earth.

In Their Own Story

The dust settled on the Hab's floor as Mark Watney stared at the cherry-red Tesla Roadster, its paint still gleaming under the harsh Martian sun. He remembered Commander Lewis's pride when she showed it off during the journey, a piece of Earth that now seemed absurdly out of place. 'If I ever get off this rock,' he muttered, 'I'm driving that thing to the nearest bar.' The car's battery was long dead, but its presence was a reminder of the world he left behind, a world that might never see him again.

Reader's Guide

Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster is a minor but memorable element in *The Martian*, serving as a character detail for Commander Lewis and a symbol of human excess in an unforgiving environment. It appears only in the novel's opening, when the crew arrives on Mars, and is later abandoned during the emergency evacuation. For fans, it represents the blend of realism and humor that defines the story, showing how even in a survival scenario, personal items can carry emotional weight. Its role is not plot-critical but enriches the world-building, reminding readers that space missions are also human endeavors with quirks and comforts. The Tesla's inclusion sparked real-world interest, leading to actual launches of Tesla cars into space by SpaceX.

Did You Know?

• The Tesla Roadster is a cherry-red car owned by Commander Melissa Lewis, launched as part of the Ares III mission's cargo.
• It is not a rover or scientific instrument but a luxury car, reflecting the novel's theme of human resilience.
• The car remains on Mars after the crew's emergency departure, becoming a silent witness to Mark Watney's struggle for survival.
• Mark Watney references the car, saying 'If I ever get off this rock, I'm driving that thing to the nearest bar.'
• The Tesla's inclusion in the novel sparked real-world interest, leading to actual launches of Tesla cars into space by SpaceX.