# SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket crashes into the moon Used rocket stage creates new crater on lunar surface. - **Source:** [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews](https://brifing.si/source/16dd2da6-3eea-4d1e-b34f-45e846cdf037) - **Published:** 2026-08-06 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/12bd4b53-ba2f-4ae6-adf5-e965e3e64fa9 ## Collision was predicted Independent astronomer Bill Gray predicted in April that a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket would hit the Moon on August 5. Chile's Very Large Telescope observed a 10-kilometer-wide cloud of sodium and lithium gas. This plume lasted 5-10 minutes, confirming the impact. Carl Schmidt from Boston University verified the observations to CBS News. ## Observation challenges The collision occurred on the sunlit side of the Moon, making direct observation difficult for professional and amateur astronomers. The area's brightness obscured the event. Despite the four-ton rocket hitting at 8,700 km/h, the impact size was smaller than expected. The lunar surface regularly experiences meteoroid impacts of similar force. ## New crater formed NASA estimates the impact created a new crater approximately 18 meters wide and 4 meters deep. Human-made object impacts of this size are rare. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea's Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter will attempt to image the impact site, but the process may take days. ## Blue Ghost mission The impacting rocket component was the upper stage of a Falcon 9 from the January 15, 2025 Blue Ghost mission, which carried two lunar landers to orbit. SpaceX stated on X that controlled deorbit isn't always possible for high-energy missions. The rocket had expended most of its fuel delivering its payload. ## Space debris concerns The event raised concerns about space debris, though NASA stated that lunar surface disposal of upper stages is technically acceptable and safe. For low lunar orbit missions, it's sometimes the only practical option. SpaceX attributed the Moon collision to solar activity and gravity. ## Controlled disposal procedures For most missions, SpaceX performs controlled deorbit of Falcon second stages over oceans. However, high-energy missions like lunar transfers prioritize payload delivery, sometimes making controlled disposal impossible. The company emphasized it followed standard procedures. ## Scientific observation opportunity The impact provides scientists a chance to study lunar surface interactions. The crater's size and shape could reveal new data about regolith properties. The gas plume's composition and distribution may offer insights into the Moon's exosphere. Researchers plan to use this data for future space missions. ## Space law discussions The incident sparked debates about space law and liability. International space treaties lack clear rules for such accidents. As space activities increase, similar events may become more frequent. Experts stress the need for new space debris management regulations. SpaceX's responsibility in this event is also under discussion. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2231420/space-x-falcon-9-rocket-moon-crash/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._