A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage rocket from a 2025 launch is predicted to impact the Moon on August 5, 2026 at approximately 2.43 km/s. The collision is expected to be too faint for Earth-based observation but represents a rare instance of human-made orbital debris striking the lunar surface. Astronomers have tracked the object extensively and are highly confident in its origin and trajectory.
Background
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets typically have their upper stages deorbit after completing their missions, but some remain in space when missions require higher energy trajectories. Lunar impacts by human-made objects are rare but provide opportunities for scientific observation.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Apr 29, 2026 at 08:39 PM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10