Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more A Tesla launched into space more than two years ago has made its first approach of Mars. SpaceX sent the Tesla Roadster and its mannequin driver ‘Starman’ into space in February 2018 as a dummy payload on the first launch of the company’s Falcon Heavy rocket. Elon Musk, who heads both SpaceX and Tesla, said at the time that the stunt was not simply a demonstration of the rocket’s power. “Life cannot just be about solving one sad problem after another,” he said. “There need to be things that inspire you, that make you glad to wake up in the morning and be part of humanity. That is why we did it." Recommended