South Korea lunar orbiter images Moon before and after SpaceX rocket debris impact

Seoul’s Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) reported that its lunar orbiter captured clear images of the Moon both before and after a fragment of a SpaceX rocket struck the lunar surface on Wednesday. The impact, which occurred during a routine de‑orbit maneuver of the Falcon 9’s upper stage from a recent launch, left a fresh crater approximately 10 meters in diameter near the Moon’s south‑polar region. The orbiter’s high‑resolution camera recorded the site at 12:34 UTC, showing a pristine surface prior to the collision and the newly formed depression shortly thereafter.

Analysts say the imagery provides valuable data on the effects of artificial impacts on the lunar regolith, aiding future mission planning and debris mitigation strategies. KASI plans to continue monitoring the site to assess any changes in the crater’s morphology and to share the findings with international space agencies. The incident underscores the growing need for coordinated tracking of space debris that may intersect with celestial bodies.