The initial Falcon Heavy launch was a test--it had never been launched before. We generally don't put important payloads on a test launch. They're too expensive and the risk is too high.
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A Tesla, otoh, is comparatively cheap. And its mass is close enough to what the rocket would normally be launching. (Actually it's less but still better than nothing)
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Most satellites are the result of decades-plus work and millions or billions of dollars. You don't put those on a test rocket.
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A Tesla can be roughly instrumented, add mass, and is relatively cheap. It's actually not a horrible idea. Goofy, but not absurd.
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IMHO it should have been something symbolic and goofily optimistic, like a monument with a message of peace towards alien life, something we would have done in the 1960s or w/e. This was just an ego stroke for a rich guy.
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Or maybe a bunch of student experiments?
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Now let's launch all the other cars into space too! :D
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I'd wager they removed the battery packs though as they seem pretty high risk.
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I also am not a fan, yet was extremely impressed with this launch and choices made, for several reasons. My real enjoyment of it caught me off-guard!
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