A section of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to crash into the moon after being left in orbit following a previous lunar mission.

The rocket’s upper stage is only days away from impact and is traveling at more than seven times the speed of sound, likely creating a new crater on the lunar surface.

Scientists believe the collision could generate a dust cloud detectable by powerful telescopes on Earth.

The situation is ironic because SpaceX is developing new rockets designed for controlled moon landings, while this older rocket stage will make an unplanned impact, USA Today has reported.

The Falcon 9 booster became stranded in space after successfully sending an unmanned lunar lander toward the moon.