SpaceX Airspace Closure Fuels Tesla Roadster Event

Tesla will hold a second Roadster unveiling on October 1 in Waco, Texas; SpaceX has requested a temporary flight restriction around the nearby McGregor test site and Tesla has reopened Roadster reservations at $50,000. Published 21 Sep 2026, 15:34 UTC • By: Cristian Agatie.

Airspace restriction and event location

SpaceX requested a temporary flight restriction from the FAA covering airspace up to 10,000 ft around its McGregor, Texas, engine test facility. The restriction is in effect through October 2 and coincides with Tesla's October 1 event in Waco, which lies close to McGregor. The TFR has prompted speculation the companies may stage a launch-related demonstration, but SpaceX and Tesla have not outlined any specific demonstration plans.

Elon Musk previously said the Roadster could "fly a little." That comment and the TFR align in timing, but Musk did not claim the car would fly to 10,000 ft. Tesla has described planned cold gas thrusters for the Roadster; those systems are typically used during acceleration phases rather than sustained high-altitude flight.

Reservation terms and background

Tesla reopened Roadster reservations at a total cost of $50,000. The reservation payment steps are:

• $5,000 initial reservation fee
• $45,000 wired to Tesla within 10 days of placing the $5,000 reservation
• Full refund available if the purchase agreement has not entered into effect

Tesla has kept Roadster reservations open since the model's initial 2017 unveiling. The company’s reservation agreement continues to warn that it may never deliver the vehicle. Tesla removed published pricing information in 2021, although earlier communications with reservation holders indicated a base Roadster might be around $200,000 and a "Founder Series" near $250,000. The exact number of active $50,000 reservations is not publicly known. High-profile refund requests from figures including Marques Brownlee and Sam Altman have drawn attention to cancellations.

Teaser, design and public unknowns

A teaser released by Tesla suggested the production Roadster may differ substantially from the 2017 prototype, but Tesla has not released current pricing or a firm delivery schedule. The company has indicated deliveries would begin "sometime," without committing to a date. Details about what will be demonstrated at the October 1 event remain limited.

The FAA TFR could be intended to support a public demonstration, or it may serve more routine purposes such as restricting drones and protecting event privacy and guest safety in and around the McGregor facility during the unveiling.