At first it was scary: to discover four heavy spheres which is not related to the daily use of the region. But also, the unique distribution they presented in the field. Finally, one expert suggested that it was space debris because it coincided with the trajectory of a Chinese space rocket.

They are hollow metal spheres, although very heavy, as each weighs 5 kilograms. What is remarkable is what are the phenomena which fell in the state of Gujarat, a rural area of ​​India.

After the initial confusion, a group of local researchers tried to understand the origin of these objects. Even some neighbors have claimed who fell from heaven and that they were severely affected on the ground.

The mystery was solved by the American astronomer Jonathan McDowellwho published a thread of tweets suggesting that these elements may be remnants of a Chinese rocket that re-entered the atmosphere on the same date.

“The third phase of the Y86 series Long March 3C rocket, which launched the ZX-9B communications satellite in September 2021, has re-entered today (…) The orbital parameters are relatively uncertain due to its high elliptical orbit with a very low perigee (approximately 100 km) that changes rapidly due to atmospheric resistance. But this seems to coincide with re-entry into Gujarat (…) where remains were found on the ground, ”McDowell wrote in a series of tweets.

If it is confirmed that the space debris that hit Gujarat came from a Chinese device, it will be for the second time in less than two months where remnants of equipment from the Asian giant’s space agency are dumping in India.

According to the Indian Express morning, in early April several fragments “rained down” in a rural area in western India, including a large metal ring.

At the time, the Indian Space Research Agency said these elements originated from a Chinese rocket, although that country’s authorities did not refer the incident to the public.

In May 2021, NASA violently criticized China for the runaway rocket that fell into the Indian Ocean. The U.S. space agency on the occasion described the Asian giant’s authorities as “irresponsible” with their space debris. Long March 5B went around for nearly 48 hours out of control and caused worldwide concern.

Extensive waste

Since the galaxy era began in the 1950s, thousands of rockets and as many satellites have been launched into orbit. Just on Feb. 3, SpaceX launched 49 into Earth’s low orbit for its Starlink service, most of which were disabled shortly after a geomagnetic storm.

After six decades of racing in space and more than 8,000 devices sent into the universe, this neglect has clear consequences: many remain there, piled up in a floating trash can.

Like a large swarm, they now surround the world approximately 8,500 tons of waste, partially complete satellites and partially fragments resulting from explosions and crashes, as well as parts of the rockets on which they are propelled. To them are added, in the large garbage dump that surrounds us, micrometeorites of natural origin.

SL