It is really going to happen because Tesla and SpaceX CEO wants it to happen. It's what proudly eccentric billionaires do, wild publicity stunts to promote their endeavors. Last December it was confirmed Musk was not joking that his own Tesla Roadster would soon be launched into orbit. The midnight cherry red roadster, as these pictures show, is already parked and mounted inside the Falcon Heavy rocket's payload bay. So when is the big launch happening, despite previous delays partially due to the government shutdown?

According to Chris Gebhardt from NASASpaceflight on Twitter, via Electrek, that date has been set for February 6, with a backup on the 7th. Gebhardt added these dates could still change due to a number of reasons, but as of now, things are going ahead as planned. This particular launch is very special for another reason other than the Tesla. The Falcon Heavy, assuming the launch is successful, will be the most powerful rocket in the world. Up until now, SpaceX, which designs and manufactures its own rockets, has been launching only the Falcon 9 rocket. It's because of the Falcon Heavy's significance Musk wants to further promote his other, Earth-only venture.

The Tesla Roadster has been installed on the top of the rocket's second stage. Musk also acknowledged the Tesla has sentimental value to him and envisions it'll be up there for a long, long time. "I love the thought of a car drifting apparently endlessly through space and perhaps being discovered by an alien race millions of years in the future." That space drift could begin in less than two weeks' time.