Mine workers in Western Australia found a “smoking slab” speculated to be part of the upper stage of a Chinese space rocket that fell back to Earth, according to Space.com.
What is happening?
On October 18, workers found a smoking slab of metal in the ground about 19 miles east of Newman.
Police arrived at the scene and took note of the crash site before joining with other authorities to determine what the object was and where it came from.
Authorities described the debris as being made of carbon fiber, which is commonly used for spacecraft structures due to its strength-to-weight ratio, which allows lighter structures to carry heavier loads, and resistance to heat.
“It was reportedly burning when they found it, which is unusual and contrary to expectations for space debris,” Marco Langbroek, an astrodynamics specialist at Delft University of Technology, said in a blog post.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau ruled out that the object came from a traditional aircraft, according to News.com.au. The Australian Space Agency said it is conducting further technical analysis with local authorities to verify the origin of the object.
Why is space debris a cause for concern?
According to Northeastern Global News, space policy specialist Anncy Thresher has said that “99% of the things we have launched from Earth are there.”
Since space junk doesn’t always burn up completely, heavier pieces of orbital debris can fall back and cause damage or fires. The sustainability challenge is compounded by increased rocket or satellite launch activity.
For example, Starlink already has 8,575 satellites in orbit and periodically loses satellites that then re-enter Earth’s orbit. Fortunately, one startup created “Space Armor” shield tiles to harden satellites on impact and reduce breakdowns that create debris.
What is being done to mitigate space debris?
On October 20, the Australian Space Agency made a statement saying the debris likely came from a spacecraft propellant tank or pressure vessel. He added that he would continue working to determine the exact origin by collaborating with global agencies.
“The Agency is committed to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation, and continues to highlight this on the international stage,” a spokesperson for the space agency said in the statement.
A Space.com reader pointed out that it is the responsibility of the companies and agencies that launch space junk to ensure that it can return safely.
“With all the space junk orbiting the globe, it’s only a matter of time before a piece of burnt junk this size lands in a densely populated area. If you pick it up, you should put it down at the end of its useful life,” the reader commented.
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