A Four-Ton Metallic Cylinder Headed for the Lunar Surface
An abandoned Falcon 9 upper stage designated as object 2025-010D is on a direct collision course with the Moon. According to data tracked by Bill Grey, the 4-metric-ton metallic cylinder will strike the lunar surface on the Earth-facing side at roughly 8,750 kilometers per hour, creating an opportunity to study an artificial impact in real time.
Stranded in an Orbit After a January Launch
Launched back in January 2025 to carry two private lunar landers into orbit, the 12-meter-long and 4-meter-wide rocket body eventually exhausted its propellant reserve. Without the ability to return to the Earth’s atmosphere or move further into space, the piece of space hardware remained stranded in orbit, drifting around Earth.
Crater Formation
Scientists are utilizing a specialized physical simulator to model the effects of the upcoming crash. Unlike a solid meteorite that can penetrate deeply, this empty metal construction will be crushed during the impact, carving out a new 20-to-30-meter crater while ejecting lunar dust to a significant height.
Observers are pointing specifically to the optical signatures anticipated during the event. As stated in published project notes shared within astronomical circles, “Possible observations during this event include a flash in the moment of impact and a cloud of ejected dust.”
Instrumentation and Visibility at 08:35 Polish Time
Scheduled for 08:35 Polish time on the visible side of the Moon, the event offers a line of sight for Earth-based instrumentation. Professional astronomers and amateur observers equipped with high-speed recording cameras are being urged to observe the event to capture the details.
Tests for Future Lunar Missions
Beyond the optical spectacle, this impact serves as a test. The event will be used to test new methods of localizing impact sites and as preparation for future seismic experiments on the Moon, providing results that may help in subsequent missions to the Silver Globe.
