Australian officials announced Monday that a mysterious object found on an Australian beach has been identified as debris from an Indian rocket, AFP reported.
The unusual barnacle-covered cylinder was initially sighted in mid-July near Jurien Bay, a secluded coastal area situated approximately two hours’ drive north of Perth in Western Australia.
Speculations arose among amateur investigators online, suggesting that the object could have a military connection or be somehow related to the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.
However, the Australian Space Agency has determined that the object is “most likely” debris originating from an “expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.”
The medium-lift launch vehicle is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation, the agency added.
The object, which measures some two metres (six feet) high and has cables dangling from the top, is being kept in storage.
Meanwhile, officials from both countries are working together to “provide further confirmation to determine next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties”, the Australian Space Agency said.
It is not the first time Australia has found itself a landing ground for space junk — last August, a sheep farmer in New South Wales found a charred chunk from one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX missions jutting out of his paddock