As SpaceX rocket stage is about to hit moon, astronomers prepare
The rocket stage is currently expected to hit near Einstein crater on the moon on August 5 at 12:05 pm IST
Astronomers are keeping a close eye on a SpaceX rocket stage as it prepares to make impact with the moon. The Falcon 9 rocket, launched in January 2025 with the aim of delivering two satellites towards the moon, abandoned its spent upper stage due to lack of fuel, causing it to drift into an unstable orbit. The independent astronomer Bill Gray has projected that the rocket stage is on a collision course with the Einstein Crater on the moon, expected to occur on August 5 at 12:05 pm IST.
Gray's calculations have shown that over a year's time, small variations could alter its trajectory, potentially resulting in a near-miss instead of a direct hit. After reassessing the data in January 2026, Gray is now 100% certain that the stage is destined to impact the moon.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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