A four-tonne SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashed into the moon at 2.43 km/s, creating a crater estimated at 18 metres wide and four metres deep. According to astrophysicist and cosmologist Brad Tucker of the Australian National University, the event highlights a “growing problem” with space junk, noting that approximately one tonne of debris hits Earth every day.
SpaceX Debris and the Risk to Australia
Australia faces a higher risk of space debris impacts than most countries due to its position in a specific latitudinal band. Dr. Brad Tucker told NewsWire that multiple instances of SpaceX debris landing have already occurred within Australia.
While Dr. Tucker stated that the current risk remains low, he warned that it will continue to increase. Other regions at higher risk include parts of South America and Africa. The volume of launches contributes directly to this risk; Tucker noted that increasing the volume of objects in space inevitably leads to more problems.
Did you know? Objects in low Earth orbit—within 2,000km of the surface—travel at speeds up to 8km/s, which is more than 23 times the speed of sound.
Tracking the 25,000 Objects Orbiting Earth
The U.S. Space Surveillance Network currently tracks some 25,000 objects larger than 10cm orbiting the planet. Monitoring these objects is a coordinated effort involving private companies, civilian space programs, and military agencies.
The energy involved in these collisions is extreme. NASA data indicates that the average speed of orbital debris when hitting another object is about 10km/s, potentially reaching 15km/s. At these velocities, any collision involves considerable energy regardless of the size of the objects involved.
Turning “Lemons into Lemonade”: Scientific Gains from Lunar Crashes
Although the January 2025 Falcon 9 stage crash was unintentional, scientists are using the event to study the lunar surface. Dr. Tucker described this as “trying to turn Elon Musk lemons into lemonade,” explaining that the impact allows observers to study lunar dust and the materials lying beneath the surface.
This data is critical for future landing plans. While other space agencies have deliberately crashed remnants into the moon for similar research, this accidental impact provides a rare look into the moon’s composition. First-look imagery of the aftermath has been released by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and NASA.
Industry Insight: SpaceX has implemented significant reusability measures to reduce waste, yet tonnes of debris still reach Earth, illustrating the difficulty of total orbital cleanup.
Comparison of Impact Velocities
| Object/Scenario | Velocity | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Falcon 9 Lunar Impact | 2.43 km/s | Spent upper stage collision |
| Low Earth Orbit (LEO) | Up to 8 km/s | Objects within 2,000km of Earth |
| Average Orbital Debris | 10–15 km/s | NASA average impact speed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the SpaceX rocket crash on the moon intentional?
No. According to Dr. Brad Tucker, this specific incident was unintentional, unlike previous planned impact experiments conducted by space agencies.
Why is Australia at higher risk for space junk?
Australia is located in a latitudinal band that makes it a more likely landing zone for falling orbital debris.
How large was the crater created by the Falcon 9 stage?
Space agencies estimate the crater is 18 metres wide and four metres deep.
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