Smoldering Debris in Australian Outback Likely From Chinese Rocket Stage
NEWMAN,Australia – Mysterious smoldering wreckage discovered in a remote area of Western Australia is highly likely a remnant of the upper stage of a Chinese Jielong 3 rocket,according to space debris expert Marco Langbroek. The debris, found near the town of Newman on Oct. 18, 2023, sparked initial speculation about its origin, but analysis of its trajectory points to the Chinese launch vehicle.
The incident highlights the increasing challenges posed by uncontrolled re-entry of space debris, a growing concern for space agencies and aviation safety. While most debris burns up in the atmosphere, larger components can survive and pose a risk to populated areas.This particular event, thankfully, occurred over a sparsely populated region. Experts are continuing to monitor the situation and assess the potential for further debris to reach the ground.
Langbroek, a specialist in astrodynamics and space missions at Delft University of Technology in the netherlands, identified the Jielong 3 stage as a strong candidate after reviewing potential space objects. “It could actually be (a meaningful part of) the upper stage itself, given the large size that the photos suggest (and also given that the Jielong 3 upper stage is reportedly a solid fuel stage),” Langbroek wrote in his analysis.
He persistent the rocket stage was in an orbit that would pass close to Newman in the early hours of Oct. 18, approaching from the north-northeast and moving toward the south-southwest. The Jielong 3 operates in a 97.6-degree inclined polar orbit.
langbroek acknowledged limited information is publicly available regarding the size and mass of the Jielong 3 components, but maintains it remains the most plausible source of the Outback debris.The incident underscores the need for improved tracking and mitigation strategies for space debris to ensure public safety and the long-term sustainability of space activities.
