NASA Captures Images Of SpaceX Rocket Impact Crater On Moon
· World · The Independent, NBC News, CBS News
NASA has released high-resolution images of a crater created by a spent SpaceX rocket stage that collided with the moon on August 5. The impact occurred at 5,400 mph after the rocket stage had been drifting in space for over a year. Captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the crater measures 60 feet across and is less than 10 feet deep. The images reveal distinct dark and bright streaks, which scientists explain are caused by excavated surface material and fresh rocks hurled from beneath the lunar crust. South Korea’s Danuri spacecraft was the first to photograph the impact site.
Why it matters
These observations provide data on lunar surface composition and support NASA's ongoing efforts to commercialize lunar exploration and return astronauts to the moon.
Read the original report — The Independent
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.