A spent upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, weighing approximately five tons, is projected to impact the Moon on August 5 at a speed of roughly 8,700 kilometers per hour.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that international media outlets have confirmed the trajectory of the space debris.
Bill Gray, the creator of the "Project Pluto" software designed for tracking astronomical objects, stated that the collision is expected to occur at approximately 09:34 local time near the Einstein crater, located on the western side of the Moon.
According to Benjamin Fernando, a researcher at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the impact will likely cause the rocket stage to vaporize upon collision, generating a significant flash of light and a plume of dust and lunar regolith.
Scientists emphasize that because the mass and velocity of this object are precisely known, the impact offers a rare opportunity to calibrate and validate methods used for studying natural meteorite collisions.
Researchers plan to analyze the resulting dust cloud to gather new data regarding the geological composition of that specific lunar region. Experts believe such information is critical for future missions, particularly for assessing risks related to the establishment of permanent lunar bases and ensuring astronaut safety.
As the collision will occur on the side of the Moon visible during daylight hours, it will not be observable with the naked eye. Astronomers have encouraged both amateur and professional observers to monitor the event using telescopes.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has revolutionized the aerospace industry with its reusable rocket technology. While the Falcon 9 is a workhorse for launching satellites and crewed missions to the International Space Station, the disposal of upper stages remains a complex challenge in space debris management, highlighting the growing importance of orbital sustainability.
