Australian Space Agency investigates UFO that washed up on beach, experts point to satellite rocket

Australian authorities issued a warning to beach-goers to avoid an "unknown object" that washed ashore in Jurien Bay in Western Australia.

Preliminary speculations said the object could be from a "foreign space launch vehicle," after residents saw the object bobbing in the water and “dragged it out with their four-wheel drive,” according to ABC.net.au.

"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," the Australian Space Agency wrote on Twitter.

"As the origin of the object is unknown, the community should avoid handling or attempting to move the object," they added. "We are committed to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation, and continue to highlight this on the international stage."

The Independent reported what several social media users had pointed to, that the debris appeared similar to that of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket. The broken-off module could have been part of India's latest satellite launch to the moon, which was reportedly airborne in April 2023.

“When a rocket launches, there’s usually multiple stages and often the first few parts separate before entering orbit, so if it is space junk, it is from the early parts of a rocket launch as there’s no evidence of the scorching patterns you would see on things that have re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere,” said Australian National University astrophysicist Brad Tucker, speaking to Western Australia outlet WA Today.

The “semi-cylindrical object” was measured at over eight feet across and nearly 10 feet long and was composed of a “light carbon fibre material like lightweight resin," the New York Post reported.

As the object was investigated, Western Australian police reportedly stood on guard for most of the day to ensure no one touched the mystery cylinder.

“WA Police will maintain security of the object until it is removed and members of the public are requested to stay away from the location,” a police statement read.

They later determined the object posed no threat to the public.

The Indian Space Research Organisation reported that its April 22, 2023, launch included satellites that weighed about 741 kg (1,600 pounds) and 16 kg (35 pounds), respectively. Both belonged to Singapore.

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