Yes, a car sent into space would indeed face significant challenges and potential destruction due to the extreme conditions present outside the Earth's atmosphere. Here are a few reasons why sending a car into space would be problematic:
Vacuum of Space: Space is a vacuum, meaning it is devoid of air and atmospheric pressure. Without atmospheric pressure to balance the internal pressure, the car's tires, windows, and other components that rely on pressure equilibrium could potentially fail or burst. The lack of pressure could cause the car's tires to deflate or even explode, and the windows or other sealed areas could experience structural failure.
Extreme Temperature Variations: In space, temperatures can vary drastically. A car sent into space would be exposed to the harsh conditions of deep space, where temperatures can reach extremely low levels. These temperature extremes could cause significant damage to the car's mechanical and electrical systems, leading to malfunction or failure.
Radiation and Micrometeoroids: Space is filled with radiation, including solar radiation and cosmic rays. These high-energy particles can be harmful to organic materials and electronic systems. Additionally, micrometeoroids, small particles traveling at high speeds, are present in space and can cause damage upon impact. Both radiation and micrometeoroid impacts could pose risks to the car's structure and components.
Lack of Oxygen and Life Support: Space lacks breathable oxygen, making it uninhabitable for humans without proper life support systems. The car's occupants, if there were any, would need a self-contained life support system to survive. Without such a system, humans inside the car would not have the necessary oxygen supply to breathe.
It's worth noting that the statement "they sent a car into space" often refers to the launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018. During that launch, a Tesla Roadster, an electric car manufactured by Tesla, was sent into space as a payload demonstration. However, the car was not intended to remain functional or operational in space; rather, it served as a symbolic payload to demonstrate the capabilities of the Falcon Heavy rocket.