Part of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched in January 2025 is believed to have collided with the Moon, according to observations from specialist telescopes.

The 4,000kg upper stage separated as planned during the mission but inadvertently entered a trajectory toward the lunar surface. The impact was expected around 07:35 BST and has been monitored by astronomers to verify the event.

NASA response and safety assurances

NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell confirmed the collision poses no threat to Earth. The agency plans to gather lunar data from the impact and improve methods for tracking space debris.

Concerns over space debris

Astronomer Matt Bothwell highlighted the growing issue of human-made objects orbiting Earth, warning that space congestion could complicate future missions within decades.

Observations from Chile

Rodrigo Palominos, a telescope operator at the Paranal Observatory, reported detecting changes in emission lines at the expected impact time, suggesting material was released by the crash. He described this as an encouraging preliminary finding.

Falcon 9 reuse and upcoming missions

  • The Falcon 9 rocket is reusable and has conducted multiple flights.
  • The lower booster sections typically return to Earth, while the upper stages sometimes remain in orbit.
  • The upper stage involved in the lunar collision originated from the January 2025 launch.
  • On 10 August, the same Falcon 9 booster is scheduled for its 18th flight to deploy 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral.
  • Earlier on the same day as the lunar impact, another Falcon 9 launch occurred for the BlueBird 11-13 mission.