NASA images reveal double crater on Moon from SpaceX rocket crash

Published Aug 21, 07:29 PM UTC

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has captured new images of a double crater on the Moon caused by the crash of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster. The booster, part of a 2022 mission, was left in a chaotic orbit and eventually impacted the lunar surface. The images, aided by South Korea's Danuri orbiter, show an unusual double crater, suggesting the rocket had two heavy masses at each end. This event highlights the growing operational risk of space debris and the need for responsible disposal of rocket stages to protect future lunar settlements. The crash is a tangible example of the challenges posed by human activity in cislunar space.