NEW ORLEANS — A defunct SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage is set to crash into the moon at approximately 1:35 a.m. CT on Wednesday.
The upper stage, launched from Kennedy Space Center on January 15, 2025, weighs about 8,800 pounds and is traveling at a speed of 5,400 mph. Authorities estimate the impact could create a crater between 65 and 90 feet wide near Einstein Crater on the moon’s western horizon.
While the collision itself will not be visible to the naked eye from Earth, astronomers with strong telescopes may be able to observe a brief flash or debris plume during the event. According to NASA, there is no danger posed to Earth by this incident.