ISRO Rocket Debris: Mysterious Object Washed Up on Australian Beach Identified
In mid-July, a massive metal object was discovered on a beach near Jurien Bay in Western Australia. Initially, it was speculated that the object might be a part of a rocket launch vehicle from some country. However, on Monday, the Australian Space Agency confirmed that the object was most likely debris from a used third stage of the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Currently, the debris is being kept in storage, and the Australian Space Agency is collaborating with ISRO to decide on the next steps, taking into account both countries’ obligations under the United Nations space treaties.
According to an ISRO official, the object is probably an unburnt component of a PSLV rocket that was used to launch a navigation satellite for the IRNSS constellation about two months ago. The official explained that during the rocket’s descent back into the atmosphere after the satellite launch in the southward direction, some parts might not have burnt completely, leading to the debris falling into the ocean. Subsequently, ocean currents might have carried it to the Australian shore.
Based on the United Nations’ Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, countries are held responsible for any space objects launched from their territory. In this specific case, it means that Australia has the option to seek damages from India for any potential harm caused by the object, and India will be liable for compensating for any damages that may have occurred.
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