Large Suspected Space Debris Discovered in Australian Desert

A significant piece of suspected space debris has been located in a remote area of the Australian desert. The Australian Space Agency confirmed on Monday that the charred object was found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. While the exact nature of the object remains undetermined, officials suggest it is likely a spent part from a space launch vehicle.

The Australian Space Agency indicated that “the debris is likely a propellant tank or pressure vessel from a space launch vehicle.” Details regarding the size and weight of the object have not been disclosed. The agency is collaborating with local authorities and other space organizations to investigate the debris and ascertain its origin.

Workers from a nearby mine discovered the object on Saturday along a remote access road. According to a report from Sky News, local officials do not consider the debris a threat to public safety. NBC News has not independently verified these details.

The presence of space debris is not uncommon. Government space agencies and private companies often allow defunct rocket parts to burn up upon re-entry into the atmosphere. However, pieces can occasionally survive this process. It is relatively rare for such debris to land over land, given that oceans cover most of the planet, and even rarer for it to fall in populated areas.

Concerns about space debris have escalated in recent years as space launches have increased. In July 2022, a 90-pound slab of debris was discovered on a mountain trail in North Carolina. It was later identified as part of a service module from a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that had returned astronauts from the International Space Station earlier that year. In March 2024, a 1.6-pound metal fragment crashed through a home in Naples, Florida. Investigations revealed it originated from a cargo pallet intentionally released from the International Space Station.

Currently, tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of smaller bits of debris, clutter low Earth orbit. These objects travel at speeds up to 18,000 mph, posing risks to functioning spacecraft and astronaut safety on the International Space Station. Experts have long warned about the dangers of overcrowding in space, prompting organizations like NASA to fund research and technology aimed at debris cleanup.

The Australian Space Agency has reiterated its commitment to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, emphasizing the importance of debris mitigation. The agency continues to advocate for awareness and action on the international stage regarding the growing issue of space debris.