SpaceX rocket is on a 5,400-mph collision course with the moon
Summary
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster, weighing 8,800 pounds, is expected to crash into the moon at about 5,400 mph early Wednesday. The rocket has been orbiting the moon since January 2025 after launching two lunar landers. Scientists will observe the impact with lunar orbiters to learn more about the moon's surface.Key Facts
- The rocket is part of a Falcon 9 that launched two lunar landers in January 2025.
- The booster separated and has been orbiting the moon since then.
- It will hit the moon at about 2:35 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday.
- The impact speed will be around 5,400 mph and create a crater about 65 to 100 feet wide and 16 feet deep.
- SpaceX says the rocket disposal followed all rules and regulations.
- The crash impact will be hard to see even with telescopes because it will happen on the lit side of the moon.
- NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will take before-and-after pictures to study the impact area.
- Scientists hope to study the dust and vapor from the crash to learn about hidden water ice on the moon.
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