SpaceX rocket to slam into Moon at 7 times speed of sound, leave fresh crater
A discarded SpaceX rocket stage is expected to collide with the Moon this week, creating a new crater and releasing lunar dust. While the impact poses no danger, it highlights the increasing issue of space debris and the lack of regulation for post-mission rocket disposal.
Why it matters
The event underscores the growing environmental challenges in space as private and public entities increase lunar exploration missions.
A discarded SpaceX rocket stage is set to crash into the Moon this week, creating a fresh crater and sending a cloud of dust into space in a rare event that scientists hope will offer valuable clues about future lunar missions and the growing problem of space debris.The rocket's upper stage, which launched two private lunar landers in January 2025, is expected to strike the Moon on Wednesday after drifting through space for more than a year. The collision is accidental and was not part of SpaceX's mission plan.Space tracking expert Bill Gray estimates the rocket will hit the Moon at around 5,400 mph (8,700 kph) near Einstein Crater on the Moon's sunlit western edge.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in