Was F9’s space-car stunt plausible? Experts weigh in

Space.com debunks the idea that Tej and Roman’s rocket‑powered Pontiac Fiero is a literal orbital mission, noting the scene nods to real air‑launch concepts (ALTO) like SpaceShipTwo and Pegasus, but several details are implausible: the carrier aircraft and release timing are cinematic, the car’s heat shield and fiberglass body wouldn’t survive reentry, steering in vacuum makes no physical sense, and significant G‑forces would risk unconsciousness. Still, the moment captures genuine astronaut awe and uses credible elements (air‑launch concepts, suits) to ground the spectacle. The piece adds that F9 (2021) remains entertainment, now streaming on Prime Video.