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A mysterious object that washed up on an Australian beach has been identified as debris from an Indian rocket. The barnacle-encrusted device, about the size of a small car, was found in mid-July. The Australian Space Agency concluded it was most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. The object is being kept in storage while officials from both countries work to determine next steps. This is not the first time Australia has found space junk, as last year a sheep farmer discovered debris from Elon Musk’s SpaceX mission in his paddock. Al Jazeera reported
Mysterious Object Found on Australian Beach Confirmed as Debris from Indian Rocket
A mysterious object that washed up on an Australian beach has been identified as debris from an Indian rocket. The barnacle-encrusted device, approximately the size of a small car, was discovered in mid-July at Green Head, a town located about 250km (155 miles) north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia.
The finding caught the attention of curious locals who gathered to take photos before the police arrived and cordoned off the area. The Australian Space Agency examined the object and determined that it was most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operates the medium-lift launch vehicle. The object, measuring around 2 meters (6.6 feet) high with cables dangling from the top, is currently being kept in storage. Officials from both Australia and India are collaborating to confirm the identity of the object and to discuss potential next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties.
This is not the first time that Australia has encountered space debris. Last year, a sheep farmer in New South Wales stumbled upon a charred chunk from one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX missions on his paddock. The incident highlights the growing issue of space junk and the need for international cooperation to address it.
The discovery of the debris on the Australian beach serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with space exploration and debris management. As space missions continue to increase, it becomes crucial for nations to work together to ensure the safe and responsible use of outer space..
