# First Images Reveal Crater Left by SpaceX Rocket on Moon South Korea's space agency captures impact site of Falcon 9's lunar collision. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-08-08 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1efebd2f-6e2a-4dd4-8196-0146f84789d3 ## Historic images released The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) published the first photos of the crater formed by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on the lunar surface. South Korea's Danuri orbiter captured the impact zone from 100 km altitude. Comparative before-and-after images were shared on KARI's X account. The crater measures 3.6 meters deep and several car widths across, matching astronomers' predictions. ## Scientific evidence confirms impact Additional proof came from Chile's Very Large Telescope, where astronomers detected sodium and lithium traces rising from the Moon's surface. These chemical findings provide independent data confirming the rocket debris collision. NASA and other agencies had warned that observing the exact moment of impact would be challenging due to timing and weather conditions. ## Crater size puts scale in perspective The images highlight how small the crater appears against the Moon's vast 2,160-mile diameter. NASA orbiters are expected to provide higher-resolution images soon. However, experts note that even detailed crater images won't offer meaningful perspective against the Moon's enormous scale. The impact site remains just a few car widths in size. ## Rocket's uncontrolled descent Falcon 9's second stage became uncontrolled after completing its January 2025 mission to deliver lunar landers. For over a year, gravitational forces from Earth, Moon and Sun gradually altered its orbit. SpaceX explained that controlled deorbiting isn't always possible for high-energy lunar transfer missions. The company announced collaboration with NASA for space hardware disposal solutions. ## Growing space debris concerns This incident highlights increasing risks from space debris. With private companies like SpaceX launching more missions, orbital junk accumulates rapidly. NASA data shows over 23,000 debris pieces larger than a tennis ball in Earth's orbit. Space agencies are developing new disposal protocols to mitigate collision risks in crowded orbital pathways. ## South Korea's space capabilities South Korea marked a significant milestone in lunar exploration with its Danuri orbiter. Launched in 2022, it became the country's first deep space mission. Danuri researches polar water ice and collects data for future crewed missions. These latest images demonstrate Korea's growing expertise in space technology and observation capabilities. ## Astronomical calculations validated Scientists had accurately predicted the Falcon 9 debris impact timing and location months in advance. Calculations estimated the rocket would crash near Hertzsprung crater on March 4, 2022. This confirmation demonstrates the reliability of space debris tracking systems. However, direct observation of the impact moment proved impossible due to lunar distance and conditions. ## Space law debates intensify The incident raises questions about international space law boundaries. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty holds nations accountable for their space objects. But with private companies playing larger roles, new regulations are needed. The responsibilities of firms like SpaceX in space debris management will critically shape future space policies and governance frameworks. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/first-images-spacex-rocket-moon-crater/ — --- _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._