A burning object found in WA's Pilbara desert is likely space junk. Experts suspect it's from a Chinese rocket. See the full investigation.
Mine workers in Australia's remote Pilbara desert found a shocking sight: a large, burning object that had fallen from the sky.
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| Workers wearing PPE were seen inspecting the mysterious object in remote Western Australia. Source: WA Police |
The object was discovered on Saturday, October 18, near the mining town of Newman in Western Australia (WA).
WA Police and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) are now leading a multi-agency investigation.
Authorities have confirmed it is space junk from an uncontrolled re-entry. An expert analyst believes it may be part of a Chinese rocket launched just weeks ago.
What Exactly Did Miners Find in the WA Desert?
The burning object was found around 2:00 PM on a remote access road. This was about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Newman.
Emergency services were called immediately.
Initial police assessments say the object is made of "carbon fibre."
It looks like a "composite-overwrapped pressure vessel or rocket tank." These are tanks used to hold high-pressure fluids on a spacecraft.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) quickly ruled out one possibility. They confirmed the object did not come from a commercial aircraft.
Why Do Experts Think It's a Chinese Rocket?
This is where the story gets interesting.
Leading space archaeologist Dr. Alice Gorman, also known as Dr. Space Junk, has analyzed the event.
She told 'The Guardian' that the object is likely "the fourth stage of a Jielong rocket."
China launched this specific rocket in late September 2025.
Dr. Gorman noted that this re-entry was "sudden" and not predicted. Usually, scientists track large objects that are about to fall. This one "came out of the blue."
Is This Normal? The Growing Problem of Space Junk
This event in Newman points to a much bigger, global problem.
Dr. Josef Aschbacher, the head of the European Space Agency (ESA), recently visited Australia. He warned that space junk is a growing issue.
As more rockets launch, more debris falls back to Earth.
To fight this, the ESA created a "Zero Debris Charter." Countries who sign it promise to safely de-orbit their spacecraft at the end of their life.
But why don't these objects just burn up in the atmosphere?
Dr. Gorman explains that fuel tanks are built to be tough. They are often made of titanium or stainless steel, with carbon fiber overlays. These materials have very high melting points and can survive re-entry.
Has Space Junk Crashed in Australia Before?
Yes. This is not the first time Australia has been hit.
Skylab (1979): The most famous case was in 1979. NASA's Skylab space station broke up over Western Australia, scattering debris across the land.
SpaceX (2022): A large piece of a SpaceX Dragon capsule was found on a sheep farm in New South Wales.
Mystery Object (2023): Just last year, a large pressure vessel, likely from a launch, washed up on a WA beach.
What Should You Do If You Find Space Debris?
Authorities have a very clear warning.
DO NOT TOUCH IT.
The Australian Space Agency (ASA) warns that space objects can contain hazardous (dangerous) materials.
Instead, you should call your local emergency services immediately. They will secure the object and investigate where it came from.
What Happens Next?
The burning object near Newman is now secure.
WA Police have confirmed there is "no current threat to public safety."
Engineers from the Australian Space Agency will now perform a "further technical assessment." Their goal is to identify the object's nature and exactly where it came from.
This investigation will likely confirm if it is, in fact, the missing Chinese rocket stage.
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