Mystery Solved: Australian Space Agency Confirms Origin of Strange Object Found on Beach

A strange cylinder washed up on a beach in Western Australia puzzled experts two weeks ago that prompted the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to launch an investigation. Now, the agency has solved the space object enigma.

"Most likely debris from an expended third stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)," ASA tweeted.

The two-meter-tall space junk, made of greenish copper metal, was found coated with barnacles on July 15, suggesting it spent a long period floating at sea, per NZ Herald.

Locals who found the odd capsule on the beach at Green Head, 50 kilometers north of Perth on the Mid West coast of Western Australia, snapped images. Their kids played around it, furthering its mystery.

State and federal authorities promptly investigated the object's origin, suspecting space debris. The ASA said that they are working with the ISRO to decide the next steps while considering commitments under the United Nations space treaties after determining that it came from an Indian rocket.

The space junk is still in storage at the moment, but the ASA invites the public to alert the agency immediately if any other suspected debris is discovered, according to News.com.au. They underline their dedication to ensuring the long-term viability of space operations, including debris reduction, and their efforts to draw attention to this globally.

Nothing to Worry About India's Space Junk

Associate Professor Alice Gorman of Flinders University pointed out that India regulates the space debris it produces following the UN space treaties. She noted that India must choose whether to send a team for an inquiry, arrange the piece's repatriation to India, or leave it in Western Australia, as reported by 7 News.

Initial worries about the object's potential dangers were allayed when an examination by the Department of Fire and Emergency Service and the Chemistry Centre of Western Australia revealed that it was safe, alleviating worries about the object's potential carcinogenic properties that might have put users at risk.

ASA continues its close cooperation with ISRO to get more information about space junk.