rocket crash moon nasa


NASA  has confirmed that an unidentified "rocket body" has crash-landed into the moon, leaving an unusual 'double-crater' in the lunar landscape. While the origins of the rocket are unknown, nobody credible so much as  hints at the possibility of it being extra-terrestrial -- despite what you may hear on TikTok or other gutters of the internet. 


Rather, scientists are busy trying to figure out where on earth -- literally -- the rocket body came from. And, interestingly, why it left such a strange impression in the Moon. 



Numerous rocket parts and other manmade space debris have crashed into the moon -- with 47 identified "spacecraft impacts" recorded in total up to 2016 -- but this is the first case of such an impact happening unplanned.


And the nature of the double-crater is "unusual." NASA analysts speculate that it may indicate that it may have been a spent rocket body. Emptied fuel tanks are outweighed by their heavier motor ends, which -- according to professional space nerds -- may produce the unusual crater formation. 



NASA moon craters


According to satellite imaging, the double-crater left behind by the rocket body is roughly 90 feet wide, with the debris still situated there. 


Moon craters


The impact came as no surprise to NASA, with the unidentified rocket body identified as being "on track" to hit the Moon back in March. It was, however, only days ago that the actual impact crater was discovered. 


Initially thought to be a spent SpaceX rocket, many have speculated that the craft could be Chinese -- though China's space agency asserts it doesn't belong to them. 


Whatever the origin, there remains plenty of real mystery around the rocket body -- why did it leave that strange double-crater? Why hasn't anyone claimed responsibility for the craft? Especially considering that there isn't likely to be any liability for a lunar impact crater, what would make an organization reluctant to claim it?