nationalglobal
NASA Orbiter Captures Images of 60-Foot Crater Created by SpaceX Booster Lunar Impact
Just the facts
Images recorded by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter revealed a crater measuring approximately 60 feet across on the surface of the moon. Scientists analyzing the orbital photographs confirmed that the topographical disruption was produced by the velocity impact of the rocket hardware. The observational data provides researchers with information on how high-speed impacts affect lunar regolith and surface geology. Lunar orbiter missions continue to monitor structural surface changes and satellite debris impacts.
Why this is news
NASA published high-resolution orbital imagery confirming the impact site of a spent SpaceX rocket booster on the lunar surface. The spacecraft detected a newly formed crater following the planned impact trajectory.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.