As suspected , the canister - similar object that washed ashore in Green Head , Western Australia , in mid - July in all likelihood belong to a discarded third stage from an Indian rocket , the Australian Space Agency announce over the weekend .
More specifically , the third degree came from aPolar Satellite Launch Vehicle(PSLV ) , a medium - lift rocket that the Indian Space Research Organization ( ISRO ) launches on a regular basis . The PSLV third stage is a “ solid projectile motor that provides the upper stages mellow jabbing after the atmospheric phase of the launch,”accordingto ISRO .
In itstweet , the Australian Space Agency said it ’s “ most probable debris ” from an expended PSLV , so it ’s still not the brassbound confirmation we were gestate .

The mystery object.Photo: Australian Space Agency
“ The junk remain in storage and the Australian Space Agency is working with ISRO , who will leave further ratification to ascertain next step , include weigh obligations under the United Nations space accord , ” the space agency add together , saying it “ committed to the long - terminal figure sustainability of outer space activities , including rubble mitigation , and remain to play up this on the international stage . ”
We have concluded the target located on a beach near Jurien Bay in Western Australia is most likely debris from an expended third - stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ( PSLV ) .
The PSLV is a medium - lift launching vehicle mesh by@isro .

— Australian Space Agency ( @AusSpaceAgency)July 31 , 2023
From the get - go , there weresuspicionsthat the cylindric object , damage and cover in barnacles , originate from an Indian rocket . ISRO officialschimed induring the days comply its breakthrough , state it unquestionably came from a rocket , but that it “ can not confirm or abnegate anything about it without fancy it in person and checking it . ”
The large , copper - tone cylindrical object washed ashore on July 15 , leaving both state and Union officials puzzled . Pulled from the water by a local duet ’s four - wheel - campaign fomite , the objective is over 8 feet ( 2.4 meters ) across and usher signs of being in the water for a prolonged period . While the Department of State flack department confirmed it poses no threat to public guard , the Australian Space Agency urged local to avoid handle the object while its lineage remained unidentified .

other meditation linked the object to aircraft debris , even propose a connection to the missing Boeing 777 from flight MH370 . Still , the more credible theories suggest that the object number from a rocket , which now seems to be the case . As the Australian Space Agency channelize out , ISRO should now claim its suspected property and provide that tote up confirmation .
For more spaceflight in your life , comply us onTwitterand bookmark Gizmodo ’s dedicatedSpaceflight page .
ISRO

Daily Newsletter
Get the best technical school , science , and finish intelligence in your inbox daily .
News from the time to come , delivered to your present tense .
You May Also Like












![]()