Authorities in Canberra are currently investigating whether a cylindrical object, resembling a small car, that washed up on a remote Australian beach is space debris from a foreign rocket. The discovery of the object at Green Head, located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Perth, prompted police to cordon off the area on Sunday.
The Australian Space Agency is collaborating with other international space agencies to determine the origin of the object, which appears to be constructed partially from a woven material. In a tweet, the agency stated, “The object could be from a foreign space launch vehicle, and we are coordinating with global counterparts who may provide further information.”
According to European Space Agency engineer Andrea Boyd, her colleagues believe that the item washed up in the Indian Ocean is a component of an upper-stage engine from an Indian rocket used for various missions. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corp, Boyd mentioned that based on its shape and size, they are quite certain about its identity.
Responsibility for the object’s disposal lies with the entity that launched it into space. Boyd explained that the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs oversees an outer space treaty, which mandates that the entity responsible for launching an object remains accountable for it until the end of its lifecycle.
A government chemical analysis conducted by Western Australia Police on Monday concluded that the object is safe, posing no current risk to the community. Initially treated as hazardous, authorities advised the public to steer clear of the device. Once the object’s origin is formally identified, it will be removed under police supervision. The statement from the police emphasized that the public should refrain from approaching the location until the object is taken away.
The Australian Space Agency is collaborating with other international space agencies to determine the origin of the object, which appears to be constructed partially from a woven material. In a tweet, the agency stated, “The object could be from a foreign space launch vehicle, and we are coordinating with global counterparts who may provide further information.”
According to European Space Agency engineer Andrea Boyd, her colleagues believe that the item washed up in the Indian Ocean is a component of an upper-stage engine from an Indian rocket used for various missions. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corp, Boyd mentioned that based on its shape and size, they are quite certain about its identity.
Responsibility for the object’s disposal lies with the entity that launched it into space. Boyd explained that the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs oversees an outer space treaty, which mandates that the entity responsible for launching an object remains accountable for it until the end of its lifecycle.
A government chemical analysis conducted by Western Australia Police on Monday concluded that the object is safe, posing no current risk to the community. Initially treated as hazardous, authorities advised the public to steer clear of the device. Once the object’s origin is formally identified, it will be removed under police supervision. The statement from the police emphasized that the public should refrain from approaching the location until the object is taken away.