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The Mandalorian’s ‘Baby Yoda’ becomes SpaceX’s zero-G indicator in Crew-1 mission

(Credit: NASA)

Published

5 years ago

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It appears that a popular character from The Mandalorian has hitched a ride in SpaceX’s Crew-1 mission, which is currently en route to the International Space Station. As could be seen in video feeds from the Crew Dragon spacecraft, the astronauts of the Crew-1 mission have decided to bring aboard what seems to be a Baby Yoda plushie as their zero-gravity indicator. 

The use of Baby Yoda as Crew-1’s zero-G indicator is very much in-character for SpaceX, considering founder Elon Musk’s avid love for science fiction. The space community has responded positively to the plushie of The Child, particularly as Baby Yoda has arguably become one of the most adorable and likable characters in the Star Wars franchise. 

With his flight in the Crew Dragon spacecraft, The Child has now taken part in a long tradition of astronauts flying small items like plush dolls with them to signal when they enter orbit. Zero-G indicators, which are usually tethered to a wall or anchor, float in the cabin when the launch phase concludes, indicating that the crew is in zero gravity. 

As noted in a Collect Space report, the custom of using toys and other fun items as zero-G indicators dates back to the early days of human spaceflight. In 1961, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin carried a small doll with him on his Vostok 1 mission to watch it float in zero gravity. Since then, zero-G indicators have varied from off-the-shelf commercial toys to homemade dolls. 

SpaceX, being a disruptor of sorts, was all too willing to adopt the practice of including fun zero-G indicators on its Crew Dragon flights. In the Demo-1 mission, the private space firm sent up a cute Earth plushie from the Celestial Buddies collection, which proved so popular that astronauts in the ISS decided to keep it with them even after the spacecraft completed its mission. This was followed by Tremor the Apatosaur, a sparkly plushie produced by TY, which was carried by Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley during the crewed Demo-2 mission. 

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While it’s unclear why the Crew-1 astronauts opted to use a Baby Yoda plushie for their zero-G indicator, speculations suggest that the idea may be inspired by the team’s backup, NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, who is a huge Star Wars fan. During his 2015 flight on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, Lindgren opted to use an R2-D2 toy to serve as his zero-G indicator. 

The Crew-1 members, commander Michael Hopkins, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Shannon Walker and Soichi Noguchi, for their part, seem to be quite fond of their zero-G indicator. When Glover gave flight controllers permission to turn on the cameras aboard Crew Dragon, he gave a quick call out to the adorable Star Wars character. “Baby Yoda says you guys can come back on board,” he said. 

The Crew Dragon spacecraft, christened “Resilience” by its crew, is expected to dock with the International Space Station on Monday at about 11 p.m. EST. Following their arrival, the members of the Crew-1 mission will be joining other astronauts and cosmonauts for a planned six-month stay as part of Expeditions 64 and 65. 

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Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla Supercharger Diner food menu gets a sneak peek as construction closes out

What are you ordering at the Tesla Diner?

Published

10 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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Credit: BradGoldbergMD | X

The Tesla Supercharger Diner in Los Angeles is nearing completion as construction appears to be winding down significantly. However, the more minor details, such as what the company will serve at its 50s-style diner for food, are starting to be revealed.

Tesla’s Supercharger Diner is set to open soon, seven years after CEO Elon Musk first drafted the idea in a post on X in 2018. Musk has largely come through on most of what he envisioned for the project: the diner, the massive movie screens, and the intended vibe are all present, thanks to the aerial and ground footage shared on social media.

We already know the Diner will be open 24/7, based on decals placed on the front door of the restaurant that were shared earlier this week. We assume that Tesla Optimus will come into play for these long and uninterrupted hours.

The Tesla Diner is basically finished—here’s what it looks like

As far as the food, Tesla does have an email also printed on the front door of the Diner, but we did not receive any response back (yet) about what cuisine it will be offering. We figured it would be nothing fancy and it would be typical diner staples: burgers, fries, wings, milkshakes, etc.

According to pictures taken by @Tesla_lighting_, which were shared by Not a Tesla App, the food will be just that: quick and affordable meals that diners do well. It’s nothing crazy, just typical staples you’d find at any diner, just with a Tesla twist:

As the food menu is finalized, we will be sure to share any details Tesla provides, including a full list of what will be served and its prices.

Additionally, the entire property appears to be nearing its final construction stages, and it seems it may even be nearing completion. The movie screens are already up and showing videos of things like SpaceX launches.

There are many cars already using the Superchargers at the restaurant, and employees inside the facility look to be putting the finishing touches on the interior.

It’s almost reminiscent of a Tesla version of a Buc-ee’s, a southern staple convenience store that offers much more than a traditional gas station. Of course, Tesla’s version is futuristic and more catered to the company’s image, but the idea is the same.

It’s a one-stop shop for anything you’d need to recharge as a Tesla owner. Los Angeles building permits have not yet revealed the date for the restaurant’s initial operation, but Tesla may have its eye on a target date that will likely be announced during next week’s Earnings Call.

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News

Tesla’s longer Model Y did not scale back requests for this vehicle type from fans

Tesla fans are happy with the new Model Y, but they’re still vocal about the need for something else.

Published

1 day ago

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July 17, 2025

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Credit: AlwinArt/Twitter

Tesla launched a slightly longer version of the Model Y all-electric crossover in China, and with it being extremely likely that the vehicle will make its way to other markets, including the United States, fans are still looking for something more.

The new Model Y L in China boasts a slightly larger wheelbase than its original version, giving slightly more interior room with a sixth seat, thanks to a third row.

Tesla exec hints at useful and potentially killer Model Y L feature

Tesla has said throughout the past year that it would focus on developing its affordable, compact models, which were set to begin production in the first half of the year. The company has not indicated whether it met that timeline or not, but many are hoping to see unveilings of those designs potentially during the Q3 earnings call.

However, the modifications to the Model Y, which have not yet been officially announced for any markets outside of China, still don’t seem to be what owners and fans are looking forward to. Instead, they are hoping for something larger.

A few months ago, I reported on the overall consensus within the Tesla community that the company needs a full-size SUV, minivan, or even a cargo van that would be ideal for camping or business use.

Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast

That mentality still seems very present amongst fans and owners, who state that a full-size SUV with enough seating for a larger family, more capability in terms of cargo space for camping or business operation, and something to compete with gas cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or electric ones like the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ.

We asked the question on X, and Tesla fans were nearly unanimously in support of a larger SUV or minivan-type vehicle for the company’s lineup:

Here’s what some of the respondents said:

Tesla is certainly aware that many of its owners would like the company to develop something larger that competes with the large SUVs on the market.

However, it has not stated that anything like that is in the current plans for future vehicles, as it has made a concerted effort to develop Robotaxi alongside the affordable, compact models that it claims are in development.

It has already unveiled the Robovan, a people-mover that can seat up to 20 passengers in a lounge-like interior.

The Robovan will be completely driverless, so it’s unlikely we will see it before the release of a fully autonomous Full Self-Driving suite from Tesla.

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Energy

Tesla launches first Virtual Power Plant in UK – get paid to use solar

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom.

Published

1 day ago

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July 17, 2025

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Credit: Tesla Energy | X

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom. This feature enables users of solar panels and energy storage systems to sell their excess energy back to the grid.

Tesla is utilizing Octopus Energy, a British renewable energy company that operates in multiple markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, as the provider for the VPP launch in the region.

The company states that those who enroll in the program can earn up to £300 per month.

Tesla has operated several VPP programs worldwide, most notably in California, Texas, Connecticut, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. This is not the first time Tesla has operated a VPP outside the United States, as there are programs in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

This is its first in the UK:

Tesla is not the only company that is working with Octopus Energy in the UK for the VPP, as it joins SolarEdge, GivEnergy, and Enphase as other companies that utilize the Octopus platform for their project operations.

It has been six years since Tesla launched its first VPP, as it started its first in Australia back in 2019. In 2024, Tesla paid out over $10 million to those participating in the program.

Tesla VPP program in California hits new capacity milestone

Participating in the VPP program that Tesla offers not only provides enrolled individuals with the opportunity to earn money, but it also contributes to grid stabilization by supporting local energy grids.

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