Authorities are investigating how suspected space debris ended up in outback Australia after mine workers found burning items.
Western Australia police are leading the response after the burning junk was located near the mining town of Newman on Saturday afternoon.
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Transport safety officials ruled out the item being from a commercial aircraft, saying it was more likely to be re-entering space debris.
Initial assessments indicate the item was made of carbon fibre, police said, and may be a composite-overwrapped pressure vessel or rocket tank, consistent with aerospace components. Photograph: Western Australia Police Force
“Initial assessments indicate the item was made of carbon fibre and may be a composite over-wrapped pressure vessel or rocket tank, consistent with aerospace components,” a WA police spokesperson said.
“The object remains under investigation, though its characteristics are consistent with known space re-entry debris … further technical assessment will be undertaken by engineers from the Australian Space Agency to assist in identifying its nature and source.”
Mine site personnel found the burning object near a remote access road and called emergency services about 2pm, police said.
Police, the Australian Space Agency, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the mine operators are all involved in the investigation.
More details soon …
