A SpaceX rocket that launched a pair of lunar landers from Kennedy Space Center in January 2025 crashed into the moon Wednesday, as predicted by scientists. The impact, which occurred at 5,400 mph, was not directly observed but confirmed by a telescope in Chile that detected a debris plume. The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope spotted a stream of sodium and lithium stretching for miles into space for at least five to 10 minutes after the crash, according to Boston University’s Carl Schmidt.
The rocket had been drifting off course since its launch, and SpaceX’s Julianna Scheiman said the collision was accidental, caused by a combination of solar activity and gravity. The company is working with NASA to prevent future incidents, she added. The crash adds to growing concerns about lunar litter, with similar events reported in the past, including a Chinese rocket striking the moon in 2022.
Retired astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell noted that the debris plume was visible even before the telescope in Chile confirmed it. He said observations of the dead 4-ton upper stage of the rocket had already suggested the crash was imminent. SpaceX’s rocket was carrying two lunar landers as part of a mission to test technology for future moon exploration.
Scientists say the moon is becoming a growing target for space debris as nations accelerate plans for lunar missions. SpaceX and NASA are reviewing data from the crash to improve tracking systems, but experts warn that more unmonitored impacts are likely as rocket traffic increases. The incident highlights the challenges of managing space debris beyond Earth’s orbit.