factor.am — The upper stage of a SpaceX rocket, launched into space in January 2025, is now on a collision course with the Moon. Experts predict that on August 5, it will strike Earth's natural satellite, marking the second known instance of such an unintentional impact.
Bill Gray, an expert tracking the movement of space objects, estimates that the 4.5-ton metal giant will hit the lunar surface at approximately 8,700 km/h, which is nearly seven times the speed of sound.
The collision will occur on the Moon's visible side, near the Einstein crater. According to scientific calculations, it will generate immense energy equivalent to an explosion of three tons of TNT. As a result of the impact, a new crater approximately 27 meters in diameter and five meters deep will be formed on the Moon. Although the flash will not be visible to the naked eye, a cloud of dust and debris will rise several kilometers high and will be visible through telescopes for about an hour.
Scientists view this as a unique opportunity to understand the impact such collisions have on the lunar surface and the potential risks they pose to future astronauts and planned lunar bases.
While this specific incident poses no immediate threat, it has once again highlighted the issue of space debris. Experts emphasize that as lunar missions increase, it becomes vital to strictly monitor the movement of rockets and other space objects to prevent more dangerous collisions in the future.
