An abandoned part of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket reached the Moon this Wednesday morning (5). The structure, with an estimated mass of almost four tons, collided with the lunar surface at a speed of close to 8,700 km/h.
Part of SpaceX rocket hits the Moon and opens new crater
An abandoned part of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket reached the Moon this Wednesday morning (5). The structure, with an estimated mass of almost four tons, collided with the lunar surface at a speed of close to 8,700 km/h....
When did the SpaceX rocket part reach the Moon?
The impact occurred around 3:35 am, Brasília time, and must have opened a new crater on Earth's natural satellite. The collision did not pose a risk to the planet.
No equipment in orbit around the Moon was able to directly record the moment of the fall.
How big could the new crater on the Moon be?
Now, scientists are waiting for images of the region to compare the terrain before and after the shock, identify the exact point of the collision and calculate the dimensions of the mark left by the rocket.
Estimates indicate that the new crater could be between 27 and 40 meters in diameter. The size will depend on factors such as the type of soil, speed and angle of impact.
What mission was the Falcon 9 rocket part of?
The structure was part of the upper portion of a Falcon 9 launched in January 2025. The mission carried two lunar modules and other scientific instruments.
After fulfilling its function, the piece remained in space and did not return to the Earth's atmosphere, as is often the case with parts used in launches.
Why couldn't the collision with the Moon be avoided?
Over the months, the gravity of the Earth, Moon and Sun altered its trajectory. As the structure no longer had fuel or active systems to perform maneuvers, it was not possible to change the route and avoid the collision.
Impact could help with studies on the lunar surface
The impact could contribute to studies on the lunar surface. Analysis of the new crater will allow researchers to observe how the Moon's soil reacts to collisions of objects with known mass, speed and trajectory.
Have other devices already reached the Moon?
This was not the first time that space equipment reached the Moon. In 2022, a rocket part associated with a Chinese mission fell into the satellite and left two craters.
Other impacts, planned or accidental, have also occurred throughout the history of space exploration.
See when and how to observe the August eclipses in Brazil
The solar eclipse on August 12th will not be visible in most parts of the country. The partial lunar eclipse, between the 27th and 28th, will be visible in all Brazilian regions and can be observed without special protection
Source: Noticias ao Minuto
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