<P> A license for the launch was issued by the US Office of Commercial Space Transportation on February 2 , 2018 . The rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center at 15 : 45 EST ( 20 : 45 UTC ) on February 6 , 2018 , and was initially placed in Earth parking orbit while remaining attached to the Falcon Heavy second stage . After a longer - than - usual six - hour coast phase through the Van Allen radiation belts , thereby demonstrating a new capability requested by the U.S. Air Force for direct geostationary orbit ( GEO ) insertion of heavy intelligence satellites , the second stage reignited for the Earth - escape trajectory . </P>
<P> A license for the launch was issued by the US Office of Commercial Space Transportation on February 2 , 2018 . The rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center at 15 : 45 EST ( 20 : 45 UTC ) on February 6 , 2018 , and was initially placed in Earth parking orbit while remaining attached to the Falcon Heavy second stage . After a longer - than - usual six - hour coast phase through the Van Allen radiation belts , thereby demonstrating a new capability requested by the U.S. Air Force for direct geostationary orbit ( GEO ) insertion of heavy intelligence satellites , the second stage reignited for the Earth - escape trajectory . </P>
when was the tesla roadster launched into space
when was the tesla roadster launched into space
15 : 45 EST ( 20 : 45 UTC ) on February 6 , 2018
15 : 45 EST ( 20 : 45 UTC ) on February 6 , 2018