Jakarta, ThedailyID — A 4-ton SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage is expected to crash into the Moon on Wednesday, creating a crater about 27 meters wide. Scientists say the rare impact will provide valuable data for future lunar exploration.
According to Space.com, only the rocket’s upper stage will strike the lunar surface. The impact is expected around 2:35 a.m. EDT (1:35 p.m. WIB).
SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 in January 2025 to carry two private lunar landers: Blue Ghost, built by Firefly Aerospace, and Resilience, developed by Tokyo-based ispace.
Blue Ghost completed its mission successfully. However, Resilience crashed during its landing attempt.
Unlike Falcon 9’s reusable first stage, the upper stage can fly only once. SpaceX normally guides it back into Earth’s atmosphere after launch. There, it burns up safely.
This mission was different. The rocket used almost all of its fuel to send both landers toward the Moon. As a result, engineers left the 4,000-kilogram upper stage in a high Earth orbit that crossed the Moon’s path.
According to Julianna Scheiman, SpaceX’s Director of NASA Science and Dragon Programs, the company performed a disposal maneuver that complied with existing safety regulations. However, natural forces later altered the rocket’s trajectory.
Solar activity and the Moon’s gravity gradually pushed the rocket onto a collision course.
Scientists welcome the impact because it offers a rare opportunity to study lunar impacts. They hope to analyze the flash, seismic signals, and crater formation. The findings could improve safety planning for future lunar bases under NASA’s Artemis program.
SpaceX said it is working with NASA and other agencies to develop safer disposal strategies for future deep-space missions and reduce risks to planned infrastructure on the Moon.
