Indonesia investigates crash of suspected Chinese rocket fragment
A large metallic fragment, possibly from a Chinese Zhuque‑2E rocket, fell into a palm oil plantation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, with no casualties, prompting an investigation.
Key facts
- A charred metallic fragment, about nine meters long, was found in a palm oil plantation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Indonesian authorities say the fragment may be from a Chinese Zhuque‑2E rocket.
- No loss of life or property damage was reported.
- A second fragment was found about one kilometer away and is being examined at a military air base.
A charred metallic fragment crashed into a palm oil plantation near the town of Sampit in Central Kalimantan Province on Monday. Residents heard a loud bang the previous evening. The fragment was discovered by plantation worker Wardi Tamroni. He initially thought it might be aircraft debris.
The fragment is described as a large aluminum plate measuring up to nine meters. It has an irregular shape and visible burn marks. It fell about three kilometers from the housing complex of PT Agro Bukit palm oil company. No workers were present when it landed.
Indonesian authorities are investigating the crash. Civil aviation spokesman Zachrudien said there was no loss of life or property damage. He also said the debris poses no radiation or toxicity risks. The pieces are being examined at a nearby military air base.
Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said the debris appears to come from a Chinese Zhuque‑2E rocket. The Chinese government said last week that a Zhuque‑2E had launched 10 satellites from a commercial launch site in the country's northwest. The China National Space Administration could not be reached for comment. BRIN researcher Thomas Djamaluddin explained that not all spacecraft parts burn up on reentry.
A second fragment was found about one kilometer from the first. Local police chief I Kadek Dwi Yoga Sidhimantra described it as a fairly large aluminum plate. The fragment is round and appears related to the first. The European Space Agency said the casualty risk from uncontrolled reentry is lower than lightning strikes or shark attacks.
Context
Space launches can produce debris that reenters Earth's atmosphere. Most debris falls into oceans, but some can reach land. The incident follows a recent launch of a Chinese Zhuque‑2E rocket that carried satellites.
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