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Falcon 9 Rocket Stage "Abandoned" In High-Earth Orbit Is About To Slam Into The Moon, With The Energy Of 11.8 Gigajoules
IFLScience • • science
Key Points:
- On August 5, 2026, the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, abandoned in a Moon-crossing orbit after launching lunar landers in 2022, is predicted to impact the Moon near Einstein crater with the energy equivalent to about 2.8 metric tons of TNT.
- The impact will create a small crater visible to lunar orbiters and eject material over a 70-meter diameter area, potentially spreading debris up to 1,000 km, which could pose hazards to future lunar missions and infrastructure.
- Unlike natural meteoroid impacts, this slower artificial impact may produce a dimmer flash, making it uncertain if it will be visible from Earth or space telescopes, though its timing and location are known for focused observation.
- This unplanned impact offers a valuable scientific opportunity to study flash brightness, plume dynamics, and the effects of space debris impacts on the Moon, aiding future lunar exploration and hazard assessment.
- The event highlights increasing concerns about space debris and the need for discussions on the implications of human activities permanently altering the lunar environment.
