ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A piece of a SpaceX rocket is believed to have slammed into the moon Wednesday, ending a journey that began more than a year ago and drawing new attention to the growing issue of space debris.
Scientists tracking the object say the rocket stage, which launched two private lunar landers in January 2025, had been drifting through space after completing its mission. Over time, a combination of gravity and solar activity altered its path, putting it on a collision course with the moon.
Experts estimate the roughly four-ton rocket segment struck the lunar surface near Einstein Crater at a speed of about 5,400 miles per hour. While astronomers say the impact was essentially certain, visual confirmation is expected to come later when NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter passes over the area and photographs the impact site.
The crash was not intentional. SpaceX officials say the company is working with NASA and other partners to help prevent similar incidents in the future as traffic around the moon increases.
The event highlights a growing concern among scientists and space planners. With the United States, China, and private companies all planning more lunar missions in the coming years, experts warn that abandoned spacecraft and rocket hardware could become a larger challenge around the moon.
There is also a New Mexico connection. SpaceX has previously conducted testing operations at Spaceport America in southern New Mexico, one of the nation’s leading commercial space facilities and a key part of the state’s growing aerospace industry.
Scientists say the incident serves as a reminder that as humanity returns to the moon in greater numbers, managing space debris will become an increasingly important part of future exploration efforts.
