“Indian Rocket Mystery Solved Beach Discovery Stuns Experts”
Australian officials confirmed on Monday that a mysterious object discovered on an Australian beach has been identified as debris from an Indian rocket, as reported by AFP.
The unusual barnacle-covered cylinder was initially spotted in mid-July near Jurien Bay, a remote coastal area located about two hours’ drive north of Perth in Western Australia.
Amateur investigators online speculated about the object’s origin, suggesting it could have military connections or be linked to the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.
However, the Australian Space Agency has determined that the object is “most likely” debris from an “expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle,” which is a medium-lift launch vehicle operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Measuring approximately two meters (six feet) in height and having cables dangling from the top, the object is currently in storage.
Both Australia and India are collaborating to “provide further confirmation to determine next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties,” according to the Australian Space Agency.
This is not the first time Australia has encountered space debris; last August, a sheep farmer in New South Wales discovered a charred fragment from one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX missions protruding from his paddock.
