A SpaceX Falcon 9 heavy rocket stage crashed into the Moon on August 5, according to a report by the BBC. The publication reported that the stray rocket fell on the lunar surface near a well-known landmark. It added that the impact provides scientists with a unique research opportunity that could assist future space missions.
The Conversation reported in July that the spent Falcon 9 stage would strike the Moon at roughly 8,700 kilometers per hour. SpaceX launched the rocket in January 2025 to carry two commercial landing modules to Earth's natural satellite. After completing its delivery, the stage remained in an unstable orbit without fuel until lunar gravity pulled it in.
Expected lunar crater
Scientists believe the collision will form a crater measuring 20 to 30 meters in diameter. The impact is also expected to create a dust cloud rising several kilometers above the lunar surface.
