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For years, the origin of a mysterious impact on the Moon has intrigued scientists and fueled surprising theories. Could the rocket be from billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX?
An object identified near Earth's natural satellite has caught the attention of researchers due to its unusual characteristics.
The initial suspicion fell on the SpaceX, by Elon Musk, which generated a global uproar.
But investigations have progressed, and the discoveries have brought a new protagonist to the center of the controversy: the Chinese space program.
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A team of scientists led by Tanner Campbell, a doctoral student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Arizona, published in Journal of Planetary Science a detailed study of the case.
According to the analysis, the object that caused a rare double crater on the Moon came from a Chinese space mission, more specifically the Chang'e 5-T1 rocket, launched in 2014.
This discovery reconfigures the entire narrative and raises new questions about the safety of space debris management.
The object that traveled through space
The investigation began with the team from Catalina Sky Survey, a program specialized in tracking celestial bodies that may pose threats to Earth.
Initially, the group identified a high-speed object, named WE0913A.
Although there is no precise information about its origin, it appeared to orbit at a point between the Earth and the Moon.
The researchers carefully analyzed the light reflected by its surface and the dynamic behavior during displacement.
These clues led them to conclude that it was an upper rocket stage.
The initial suspicion pointed to equipment from SpaceX, a company that has led several initiatives in space exploration.
However, further analysis revealed that the characteristics of WE0913A corresponded to the Chang'e 5-T1, launched by China as part of its lunar exploration program.
Although the Chinese Space Agency claimed that the rocket debris burned up in Earth's atmosphere during reentry, a report by United States Space Command pointed out inconsistencies.
According to American information, the equipment did not return to Earth, corroborating the evidence found by researchers.
The rare impact on the lunar surface
The most intriguing detail was the double crater left by the object's impact. According to Tanner Campbell, this formation had never been observed before on the Moon, making the episode even more unique.
According to him, the object had a unique structure: it was composed of two large masses at opposite ends, similar to a dumbbell.
At the heavier end were the engines weighing around 1.090 kg, while the other end appeared to house a support structure or some sort of additional instrumentation.
This configuration would explain the stability of the object during displacement and, at the same time, the peculiar formation of the crater.
A growing problem in the space race
In addition to solving the mystery surrounding the crater, the discovery reignites the debate about the risks associated with space debris.
The exponential increase in space launches, both by government agencies and private companies, has generated an increasing amount of waste that wanders through space without control.
Experts warn that these objects could cause significant damage, either through accidental impacts on celestial bodies or through direct threats to satellites in operation or future manned missions.
For Tanner Campbell, the Chang'e 5-T1 episode is a clear example of the need for stricter regulations and international cooperation to mitigate risks.
China in the spotlight
China's involvement in the case reignites geopolitical issues that permeate the space race. On the one hand, China's lunar program has been an example of impressive technological advances.
On the other hand, the country faces criticism regarding the transparency and control of its operations.
The confirmation that Chang'e 5-T1 was responsible for the impact highlights the responsibility of major powers in ensuring the sustainability of space initiatives.
Negligence in the management of upper stages and debris could have catastrophic consequences, both for space and for Earth itself.
What we still don't know about the rocket case
Despite advances in investigations, some questions remain unanswered.
Campbell admitted that while analysis suggests the rocket's second mass was a support structure, it will never be possible to fully confirm its nature.
Furthermore, the mystery surrounding the object's trajectory and its resistance to re-entry into Earth's atmosphere still intrigues scientists.
This case not only resolves a scientific curiosity, but also serves as a warning about the environmental impact of space exploration.
After all, if the Moon is already being hit by debris, what can we expect for future interplanetary missions?
In any case, the revelation that the China, not SpaceX, is linked to the mysterious lunar impact shows that the sector's challenges go far beyond technological innovations.
With the increasing expansion of space activities, the need for global regulations becomes even more urgent.
Are we ready to deal with the accumulation of debris in space and the associated risks? Or will the race for space exploration continue without considering the consequences?
