South Korean probe images Falcon 9 upper-stage impact on the Moon
South Korea's Danuri spacecraft photographed the crater and darkened area created when a Falcon 9 upper stage struck the Moon on Aug. 5, 2026, with further observations planned.
A South Korean lunar orbiter has returned images of the site where a SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage collided with the Moon on Aug. 5, 2026. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s Danuri spacecraft flew over the impact zone during several passes and recorded a darker patch and a newly formed crater, indicating where the 18-meter-long stage hit at roughly 5,400 mph (8,700 km/h). The impact, which resulted from a launch on Jan. 15, 2025 that placed the stage into lunar orbit, was not visible from Earth. Danuri’s data also suggest dust was ejected at the moment of impact, though the dust plume is not discernible in the released photos. Scientists plan additional flybys in the coming days to monitor any changes and better understand the effects of high-velocity impacts on the lunar surface.
"The images provide a rare look at a man-made object striking the Moon and will help us study impact processes," a Korea Aerospace Research Institute spokesperson said.