SourceA 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.
- 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.