Nikkei reports debris from a previously launched SpaceX Falcon 9 is expected to impact the Moon on Aug 5 at about 15:35 Japan time (14:35 Beijing time). Impact is forecast near the Moon’s western Einstein crater at roughly 2.4 km/s, producing an estimated crater ~27m in diameter and ~5m deep and ejecting sharp gravel and rock. Energy is put at about 3 tonnes TNT equivalent. The event is expected to yield data on lunar surface conditions and inform safety considerations ahead of crewed lunar miss

Nikkei reports debris from a previously launched SpaceX Falcon 9 is expected to impact the Moon on Aug 5 at about 15:35 Japan time (14:35 Beijing time). Impact is forecast near the Moon’s western Einstein crater at roughly 2.4 km/s, producing an estimated crater ~27m in diameter and ~5m deep and ejecting sharp gravel and rock. Energy is put at about 3 tonnes TNT equivalent. The event is expected to yield data on lunar surface conditions and inform safety considerations ahead of crewed lunar missions and large-scale lunar base construction.