Cape Canaveral, FL — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage is set to crash into the moon tonight at approximately 2:35 a.m. ET.
The rocket piece, which weighs four metric tons, has been in space since January 2025 when it launched a lunar lander. Authorities confirmed it will impact the Einstein Crater on the moon’s western limb at a speed of 5,400 mph, generating a plume of lunar dust likely visible from Earth under sunlight but challenging to see with the naked eye.
The collision is unintentional, as the second stage remained in orbit due to excess thrust required for its lunar mission. Typically, rocket stages return to Earth after completing their purpose, either burning up in the atmosphere or landing in the ocean.
Astronomers only recently determined the stage’s trajectory would end at the moon, following its uncontrolled journey among thousands of pieces of space debris. “Solar activity and gravitational forces have influenced its path,” said Julianna Scheiman, SpaceX Director of NASA Science and Dragon Programs.
Space junk impacts on the moon are rare. Previous notable impacts include a Chinese rocket stage in March 2022 and intentional NASA impacts to study lunar effects. NASA and SpaceX are currently discussing measures to mitigate future incidents, as the U.S. aims to establish a lunar base under its Artemis program.