A used SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage launched in January 2025 is tracked by NASA and SpaceX as it is expected to impact the Moon near Einstein and Bell craters on August 5, 2026.

Key Details

• Launched on January 15, 2025 carrying Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander under NASA's CLPS initiative.
• Solar activity and gravitational forces caused the rocket stage's unplanned return trajectory to the Moon.
• Trajectory confirmed by NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies at Jet Propulsion Laboratory with 100% impact probability.
• NASA plans real-time tracking and observation using ground-based telescopes and spacecraft including Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and ShadowCam.

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