SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the upper stage from the January 15, 2025 Blue Ghost mission, has crashed into the moon, confirming predictions made by independent astronomer Bill Grey. Lunar orbiters are now attempting to image the impact site as the event occurred on the sunlit side, making visual confirmation difficult.

Planetary scientist Carl Schmidt reported that the Very Large Telescope in Chile observed a plume of sodium and lithium gas, indicating that the collision happened. The plume, 10’s of kilometers in size, lasted between five to ten minutes. Although the rocket’s four‑ton mass struck the lunar surface at 5,400 mph, the resulting crater is relatively modest—about 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep, according to NASA.

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter will try to capture images, though success depends on lighting and timing. SpaceX explained that for high‑energy missions like lunar transfer, a controlled deorbit is often impossible, and the upper stage was deliberately left on the moon. NASA says this disposal method is technically accepted and safe for low lunar orbit missions.