NASA probe captures sharpest images of moon crater from SpaceX rocket impact

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has provided the clearest images to date of a new crater on the moon, formed by the impact of a SpaceX rocket stage. The images reveal the dramatic aftermath of the collision, which occurred on August 5.

The four-ton upper stage of a Falcon rocket, which had been in space for over a year after launching two private lunar landers in 2025, hit the moon at a speed of 8,700 km/h. The rocket stage had deviated from its intended course due to a combination of solar activity and gravity, according to SpaceX Director Julianna Scheiman.

Scientists analyzing the new photos estimate the fresh crater to be 18 meters in diameter and less than 3 meters deep. The impact site displays distinct dark and light streaks radiating outwards, resembling butterfly wings. The darker lines are believed to be material from the lunar surface, shaped over millions of years by solar wind, cosmic rays, and micrometeorite impacts. The brighter streaks indicate freshly excavated rock and dust from deeper layers.

The orbiter captured the images from an altitude of 96 kilometers, flying at 1.6 kilometers per second. Mission controllers had to tilt the spacecraft to aim its cameras at the impact zone, highlighting the precision required for such observations.