Tesla's New Car Can Fly Using Special Thrusters
TechnologyFrom: TechCrunch · rewritten for kids by Osmo
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Tesla introduced its second-generation Roadster, which uses cold-gas thrusters powered by compressed air to perform impressive stunts like leaping over other vehicles and spinning in midair. The car has three trims: Performance, which is road-ready; Thrust, which is race-ready with rear-mounted thrusters allowing sub-one-second acceleration from 0 to 60 mph; and Rocket, which has 10 thrusters for flight-like maneuvers. The Roadster uses carbon fiber pressure vessels to hold compressed air for thrusters. It can reach speeds over 230 mph and travel 300 miles on a charge. Elon Musk said this car is more about amazing performance than safety.
Big word
thruster: A thruster is a small engine that pushes air or gas out quickly to help something move or turn.
Quiz time: circle the right answer
1. What special feature helps Tesla’s new Roadster jump and spin in the air?ACold-gas thrustersBSolar panelsCElectric brakes
2. How fast can the Roadster go from 0 to 60 miles per hour?AOne secondBTen secondsCFive minutes
3. What is stored in the Roadster to power its thrusters?ACompressed airBBattery juiceCGasoline
Your turn
Draw a picture of a car that can fly or jump. Imagine how it might use thrusters to lift off like the Tesla Roadster.
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