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NASA Will Attempt to Observe Rocket Part’s Lunar Impact
NASA and SpaceX are tracking a used Falcon 9 upper stage expected to impact the Moon on August 5 near the Einstein and Bell craters. The event is being observed to collect lunar data and refine techniques for tracking objects in space.
Why it matters
Observing how materials are thrown outward during the impact helps scientists understand lunar geology, which improves models used to guide future exploration and science missions.
The details
- The rocket stage was launched on Jan. 15, 2025, deploying Blue Ghost 1.
- Expected crater dimensions are approximately 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep.
- The impact will not be visible to the naked eye from Earth.
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Key connections
NASA owns Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
NASA operates the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to map and study the lunar surface.
Firefly Aerospace owns Blue Ghost 1
Firefly Aerospace built the Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander.
NASA developed and operates the ShadowCam optical camera instrument.
SpaceX is a partner of Firefly Aerospace
SpaceX launched Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 1 lander to the Moon.
Meteoroid Environments Office is a member of Marshall Space Flight Center
Meteoroid Environments Office is located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
ShadowCam is related to South Korea
ShadowCam is carried aboard South Korea's Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter.
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NASA is related to South Korea
NASA collaborates with South Korea by providing the ShadowCam instrument for its orbiter mission.
Firefly Aerospace is a partner of NASA
Selected by NASA to provide payload processing services
SpaceX manufactures and operates the Falcon 9.
Marshall Space Flight Center is a member of NASA
NASA field center
Related events
Falcon 9 Upper Stage Unplanned Lunar Impact
Launch and Lunar Deployment of Blue Ghost 1
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