Spacex Rocket Stage Is Set to Crash Into the Moon on Wednesday, an Unusual But Harmless Event That Scientists Say Could Offer Insights

The four-ton Falcon 9 second stage, launched during a lunar mission in January 2025, is expected to hit near Einstein Crater on the Moon's western limb at around 2:35 a.m. ET (0635 GMT/1:05 PM IST) at a speed of 5,400 mph (8,690 km/h). Although the impact will create a plume of lunar dust, experts say it poses no danger to Earth and is unlikely to be visible without specialized telescopes. The rocket stage remained in an uncontrolled orbit after completing its mission, as SpaceX typically performs disposal maneuvers but could not in this case.

Julianna Scheiman, SpaceX's Director of NASA Science and Dragon Programs, said a combination of solar activity and gravitational forces altered the orbit, and the stage had exhausted its fuel. Astronomers determined earlier this year that its path would intersect with the Moon. NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell said the agency will track the booster for training and later observe the impact site for scientific purposes. Astronomer Bill Gray, who first calculated the trajectory, said the collision could provide "minor scientific interest" while also raising concerns about space debris disposal.