Mattel Releases Matchbox Toys of SpaceX’s Tesla Astronaut Transport

As SpaceX’s next commercial astronaut mission launches, Mattel is counting down the days to the launch of its latest Matchbox toys based on the space company’s vehicles.

Unlike Mattel’s previous sets, which were modeled after spaceships and rockets, this upcoming release is more in keeping with the iconic line of diecast cars. The 1:64 scale version of SpaceX’s Crew Transport Vehicle from Matchbox will hit U.S. stores on October 1 for $1.25 each.

The full-size crew transport vehicles will be back in service tonight (Aug. 26) as they’re used to ferry the Polaris Dawn crew from the facility where they don their spacesuits to Launch Pad 39A and the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will carry them into orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The black Tesla Model X electric cars first entered service in 2023, replacing a previous fleet of white vehicles that have been in use since 2020.

“We are thrilled to be working with SpaceX,” said Nick Karamanos, senior vice president of entertainment partnerships at Mattel, when the two companies signed a multi-year licensing agreement in 2022. “We pride ourselves on our ability to create products and experiences that honor cultural moments.”

Like the cars that Polaris Dawn commander Jared Isaacman, pilot Scott Poteet, and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon will drive, the Matchbox miniature is also adorned with markings that identify its use. Both the driver and passenger doors of the Falcon Wing display the SpaceX logo and the words “Crew Transport Vehicle” in white. The rear bumper features the company name and “01,” the latter distinguishing the car in the convoy to the pad.