With Tesla Roadster debut, Elon Musk shows "flying cars are real"

On Thursday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled what he called a flying car at a livestreamed event at SpaceX's Texas facility. Despite numerous technical and regulatory hurdles, the flying car sector has yet to make significant progress. During the demonstration, Musk showcased Tesla's new Roadster sports car, which launched from a ramp, suspended mid-air, before completing a 180-degree mid-air rotation to land on its wheels.

Musk declared, "Flying cars are real," emphasizing that the vehicle's success is not a certainty, but it is highly likely to function. He credited the achievement to the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, two leading companies in their respective industries. The vehicle is set to enter production in 2028, Musk stated.

The concept of a flying car has been around since 1917, when American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss unveiled the first prototype. However, the idea gained renewed attention in recent years as advancements in electric motors and high-performance batteries became available. Musk, known for his ventures into various industries, continues to push the boundaries of innovation.

Recently, SpaceX announced a deal to acquire licenses for radio airwaves, enabling its Starlink Mobile satellite business to provide cellular service inside buildings. This move is expected to position SpaceX as a major mobile carrier in the U.S., completing the spectrum puzzle necessary for providing comprehensive phone coverage across the country.