NASA captures photos of Moon crater caused by SpaceX rocket part
NASA has released images of a new lunar crater created by a stray SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage that impacted the Moon in August 2025. The impact, which occurred near Einstein Crater, resulted from a mission that also carried two private lunar landers.
Why it matters
This event highlights the growing issue of space debris and the complexities of managing private sector missions in lunar orbit.
A newly released image shows the brand-new crater on the Moon caused by a stray upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. On Tuesday, NASA showed off the image, which was captured by its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).The 40-plus foot rocket stage slammed into the Moon at approximately 5,400 per hour on August 5, near Einstein Crater. Hitting the surface with the force of three tons of TNT, it left behind a scar that, based on its shadows, was 60 feet wide and less than 10 feet deep.About a week later, NASA’s LRO flew over the impact site for a look.
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