Recent observations by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) have revealed a new crater on the surface of the Moon. Scientists believe this crater is likely the result of a recent lunar mission collision, specifically the crash landing of the ispace Mission 2 SMBC x HAKUTO-R Venture Moon lander, named RESILIENCE. This event highlights both the progress and the perils inherent in lunar exploration.
The LRO, which has been orbiting the Moon since 2009, captured dramatic images of the impact site on June 11, 2025. The images show a distinct dark smudge surrounded by a subtle bright halo in the Mare Frigoris region, also known as the Sea of Cold. This area, a broad volcanic plain marked by wrinkle ridges, was the intended landing site for the RESILIENCE lander. The dark smudge is the immediate impact point, where the force of the collision disturbed the lunar regolith, the loose layer of rock and dust covering the Moon's surface. The surrounding bright halo is thought to be caused by fine particles of regolith that were blasted outward upon impact, skimming the surface and creating a scouring effect.
RESILIENCE, a privately funded spacecraft, launched on January 15, 2025, was part of Japan's ongoing efforts to explore the Moon through commercial ventures. Its hard landing on June 5, 2025 (UTC), underscores the challenges of achieving a soft, controlled landing on the lunar surface. Ispace, the Tokyo-based company behind the mission, aimed to land in the Moon's far northern volcanic plains. However, contact was lost just before touchdown, leading to the confirmed crash. This marks the second failed lunar landing attempt for ispace in two years, highlighting the technical difficulties and risks associated with lunar missions. The company plans to hold a press conference to share the findings of their investigation into the crash.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), a suite of three cameras including two high-resolution Narrow Angle Cameras (NAC), was instrumental in capturing the images of the crash site. The NACs can resolve features down to 50 centimeters, allowing detailed observation of the lunar surface. By comparing images taken before and after the impact, the LROC team was able to identify the new crater and analyze its characteristics. This "before and after" imaging technique has been used previously to discover new impact craters on the Moon, distinguishing them from the already heavily cratered surface.
Studying impact craters, whether from natural meteoroid strikes or human-made collisions, provides valuable insights into the Moon's surface processes and history. The size and shape of the crater, along with the distribution of ejected material, can reveal information about the composition and structure of the lunar regolith. In the case of the RESILIENCE crash site, the dark smudge and bright halo indicate the displacement and redistribution of surface materials.
The LRO has been a crucial tool in identifying new craters on the Moon. By comparing images taken over time, scientists can spot changes in the lunar landscape and track the rate of impact events. These observations contribute to a better understanding of the Moon's dynamic environment and the ongoing processes shaping its surface.
