The object, which had been drifting uncontrolled in space since 2025, struck the lunar surface at a speed of roughly 8,690 kilometers per hour, posing no threat to our planet. The lunar impact and the expected craterThe rocket section is estimated to have hit the lunar surface at 8:35 a.m. Greek time, at a speed of about 5,400 miles per hour, or 8,690 kilometers per hour. Scientists are especially interested in analyzing the dust and material thrown up by such events, since it can help inform the design of future Moon missions. Space debris and a growing problem for lunar missionsThe impact revives the debate over space debris management, as growing activity on and around the Moon creates new challenges. In 2022, a piece of a Chinese rocket hit the lunar surface after completing a test mission.