Space agency confirms rocket remains in SpaceX's sheep paddock
The Australian Space Agency has confirmed debris found in SpaceX’s NSW Snow Mountains.
Key points:
- Three pieces of debris have so far been found
- The residents of the Snowy Mountains have been notified that more pieces can be found
- People were told to call the hotline if they found more
Three pieces of space junk have so far been found in the region, which is thought to be the largest piece found in Australia since 1979.
Two sections were examined by technical experts from the Australian Space Agency and NSW Police on Saturday.
Police have since confirmed that they are also aware of a third piece found in the area.
Authorities believe the space debris belongs to SpaceX but have been waiting for confirmation.
“The agency has confirmed the debris is from the SpaceX mission and continues to engage with our US counterparts, as well as other parts of the Commonwealth and local authorities as appropriate,” an Australian Space Agency spokesman said.
“The agency operates under the Australian Government’s Space Debris Reentry Plan which outlines the roles and responsibilities of key Australian government agencies and committees in supporting the response to debris re-entering space.”
It came after locals reported hearing a loud explosion on July 9, thought to be caused by the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which launched in November 2020, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.
Locals in the area were told it was possible more pieces could still be found.
“If the public finds further suspected debris, they should not attempt to handle or retrieve it,” the agency said.
“They should contact the SpaceX Debris Hotline at 1-866-623-0234 or at recovery@spacex.com.”
So what happens now?
While the space debris is expected to remain on the property where they were found for now, the pieces may eventually be returned to US soil.
Australian National University Space Institute deputy director Cassandra Steer said there was an obligation under international space law to return debris to its home country.
“Every extraterrestrial object, or part of it, must be repatriated, and I believe that will be the case in this case as well,” he said.
“Unless SpaceX says they don’t want a share in the costs associated with it, and wants to donate the debris to science, that’s perfectly possible.
“But it has to be sent back to the US.”
Dr Steer said it was critical that there was confirmation that the debris belonged to SpaceX.
“We have clarity in terms of lines of responsibility,” he said.
“The US is responsible for any damage caused by this space debris … and Australia can go to the US and seek some form of compensation if there is a cost involved in cleaning it up.”
But he was sure the situation would be resolved amicably.
“Clearly this is not going to turn into a dire diplomatic event; the US is one of our closest allies and partners,” he said.
“But there really needs to be a response between governments on how to handle this.
“Fortunately in this situation there doesn’t seem to be any major damage, so hopefully it can be resolved very peacefully and without any international diplomatic incidents.”
SpaceX has been contacted for comment.
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