SpaceX Rocket Set to Become Space Debris, Expected to Crash Into Moon

A piece of human-made space debris is on a collision course with the Moon, a stark reminder of our expanding presence in the cosmos. The upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched in January 2025 to carry lunar landers, is expected to impact the lunar surface on August 5. This event, tracked by Bill Gray of Project Pluto, underscores a growing challenge: managing space junk.

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This rocket has been tracked since launch, so there is no doubt that it is a Falcon 9 upper stage.

While this particular impact may not cause significant damage, as there are no current lunar bases or life forms in the vicinity, it serves as a critical warning. With nations like the United States and China planning lunar bases by the 2030s, the frequency of rocket launches will surge. This increases the likelihood of debris accumulating in complex, unstable orbits around Earth and the Moon, posing a risk to future missions.

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If the rocket crashes into the Moon as expected, it will be the second instance of artificial space debris colliding with the Moon, following the Chinese rocket stage that fell to the far side of the Moon in 2022.

This situation calls for a proactive approach to space exploration. Experts suggest establishing new standards for handling rocket disposal, such as requiring additional fuel for deep space missions to divert rocket bodies into stable 'disposal orbits' around the sun. As Hankyoreh, we believe it is crucial to address these emerging issues before they escalate, ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of our endeavors beyond Earth.

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As the United States and China plan to build lunar bases in the 2030s as planned, the number of rocket launches for lunar landings is expected to increase rapidly, which could lead to damage caused by rocket debris colliding with the Moon.