Space debris found at Australian beach; ISRO to study whether it is part of PSLV launched long back

Chennai: A space debris--a huge metallic object-- from a foreign launch vehicle has been washed shore on a beach near Jurien Bay in Western Australia and it was not known whether it was part of ISRO's PSLV launch vehicle that could have been flown long back.

In a tweet, the Australian Space Agency said "We are currently making enquiries related to this object located on a beach near Jurien Bay in Western Australia".

"The object could be from a foreign space launch vehicle and we are liaising with global counterparts who may be able to provide more information", it said.

"As the origin of the object is unknown, the community should avoid handling or attempting to move the object", it said.

"If the community spot any further suspected debris they should report it to local authorities and notify the Australian Space Agency via space.monitoring@space.gov.au", the tweet said.

"We are committed to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation, and continue to highlight this on the international stage", it added.

Meanwhile, speculations were rife that the debris might be part of a PSLV launch vehicle of ISRO that would have been launched long time back.

ISRO sources could neither confirm nor deny whether the huge object that had washed ashore in Western Australia beach near Jurien Bay was part of its PSLV rocket.

"Without seeing it in person and checking it, nothing could be said (whether it is a debris of PSLV)", the sources said.

“We cannot confirm or deny anything about it without seeing it in person and checking it", they said.

It could be ascertained only after the Australian space agency sends a video of the object that has been washed ashore.

"We have to see if there are any markings on it. If required, ISRO officials can go there to confirm whether it belongs to an Indian rocket or not", the sources said, adding, without seeing it nothing could be confirmed on whether it was part of an Indian launch vehicle.

Report said that the Australian Space Agency has approached ISRO in this regard to ascertain about the nature of the object that has been washed ashore and to confirm whether it was part of its launch vehicle or not. (UNI)