The 1950s and 1960s were the golden age of space exploration. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were locked in a race to the stars. Rockets, astronauts, and satellites filled the headlines. That obsession with space didn’t just affect science and politics: It influenced pop culture, design, and even cars.

Automakers tapped into the excitement. They gave their cars futuristic styling, chrome-heavy finishes, and names that evoked speed, power, and the cosmos. Here’s a look at some of the best space-themed cars ever built.

1. Ford Galaxie (1959–1974)

Launched in 1959, right as NASA was preparing for its first human spaceflights. The “Galaxie” name capitalized on America’s fascination with space. It debuted two years after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world’s first satellite. Early Galaxies featured dramatic tailfins and afterburner-style taillights. The jet-age styling mimicked rocket boosters.

2. Chevrolet Nova (1962–1979, 1985–1988)

Launched in 1962, a year after Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space. “Nova” refers to a sudden, bright explosion of a star. There’s a long-standing myth that the Nova sold poorly in Spanish-speaking markets because “No Va” means “doesn’t go” in Spanish. That’s mostly false—sales were strong in Mexico and Venezuela.

3. Oldsmobile Starfire (1954–1957, 1961–1966, 1975–1980)

The first Starfire was a concept car in 1953. It was named after the Lockheed F-94 Starfire, a U.S. Air Force jet fighter. Early models had bubble-top windshields and chrome-heavy styling that screamed space age.

4. Mercury Comet (1960–1977)

Launched in 1960, the same year NASA’s Mercury program started manned spaceflight tests. Named after comets—celestial objects with bright tails streaking through space. The Mercury brand was already named after the Roman messenger god, making the space connection even stronger.

5. Dodge Polaris (1959–1964)

Launched in 1959, just as the Space Race intensified. Named after Polaris, the North Star, which has been used for celestial navigation for centuries. The first-generation Polara (a close relative) had huge tailfins, resembling rockets of the era.

6. Plymouth Satellite (1965–1974)

Launched in 1965, four years before the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Named after artificial satellites orbiting Earth, like Sputnik and Explorer 1. It evolved into a muscle car, with high-performance variants like the GTX and Road Runner.

7. AMC Eagle (1979–1987)

Launched in 1979, during the final years of NASA’s Apollo program. The Apollo 11 lunar module was named “Eagle,” famously giving us the phrase, “The Eagle has landed.” It was an all-wheel-drive pioneer, pushing boundaries like space exploration.

Space-themed concept cars

Beyond production models, carmakers experimented with futuristic, space-age concepts: General Motors Firebird I, II, III (1953–1959) – Jet-inspired, turbine-powered prototypes. Chrysler Turbine Car (1963) – Space-age styling with an actual jet engine. Chevy Astro I & Astro II (1967, 1969) – Concept cars named after astronauts and designed with extreme aerodynamics.

How the Space Race shaped car design

From the late ’50s through the ’60s, space-age aesthetics dominated car design: Jet-age tailfins resembling rocket ships. Bubble-top windshields mimicking astronaut helmets and jet cockpits. Chrome-heavy exteriors creating a futuristic, high-tech look. Names evoking celestial power, strength, speed, and limitless potential.

By the 1970s, space themes faded as muscle cars took over. Then, the oil crisis forced automakers to focus on efficiency over flashy designs. But for a brief, thrilling era, cars looked and felt like they belonged on a launchpad. Time will tell if EVs loop full circle back to space themes. After all, we’ve got a flying car now…