SpaceX rocket debris crashes into Moon; NASA orbiter spots double crater

Published Aug 19, 05:00 PM UTC

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket upper stage, launched in 2015, intentionally crashed into the moon's surface in March 2022. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured before-and-after images revealing a double crater formed by the impact. The event highlights the growing issue of space debris and its potential consequences for lunar exploration. The impact site was located on the far side of the moon, near the Hertzsprung crater. Scientists are analyzing the crater to learn more about the moon's subsurface composition and the effects of human-made debris on celestial bodies. The incident has also drawn attention to SpaceX's operations and the broader implications for space policy and commercial spaceflight.