SpaceX Rocket to Strike the Moon on August 5

The remaining upper stage of a SpaceX rocket launched in January 2025 is on a collision course with the Moon. Experts predict that the impact will occur on August 5, marking the second known incident of a used rocket landing accidentally on the Moon.

According to space object tracking expert Bill Gray, who spoke with the Associated Press, the approximately 4.5-ton object will hit the Moon at a speed of about 8700 km/h (5500 mph), which is seven times faster than the speed of sound. The impact will take place near the Einstein Crater on the sunlit side of the Moon and will release energy comparable to three tons of TNT.

Scientists are looking forward to the rare opportunity to study the effects of the impact, particularly how such collisions affect the lunar surface and what risks they may pose to future astronauts and permanent bases. The impact is expected to create a crater approximately 27 meters in diameter and up to five meters deep.

Although the flash from the impact will be too faint to see with the naked eye, the cloud of dust and debris could rise several kilometers and remain visible through telescopes for less than an hour. While the current incident is not considered a threat, it once again draws attention to the issue of space debris.

Experts note that with the increase in the number of lunar missions and the preparations for new lunar expeditions by the U.S. and China, monitoring the movements of used rockets and other objects is becoming increasingly important to avoid dangerous collisions in the future.