Suspected space debris found on fire near WA mining town | Western Australia

Authorities are investigating how suspected space debris ended up in the Australian outback after miners discovered items on fire.

Western Australian Police are leading the response after burning rubbish was located near the mining town of Newman on Saturday afternoon.

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Transportation safety officials ruled out that the object came from a commercial plane, saying it was more likely that it was space debris re-entering space.

“Initial assessments indicate the item was made of carbon fiber and may be a pressure vessel or rocket tank overwrapped in composite, compatible with aerospace components,” a Washington police spokesperson said.

“The object remains under investigation, although its characteristics are consistent with known space re-entry debris… further technical assessment will be undertaken by Australian Space Agency engineers to help identify its nature and source.”

Mine site staff found the object on fire near a remote access road and called emergency services around 2 p.m., 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…