Debris from failed SpaceX rocket may have washed up off English coast

 By 
Liza Hearon
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

UPDATE: Dec. 2, 3 p.m. GMT: Astronomer Jonathan McDowell believes the debris is normal "space junk" from a different mission -- a September 2014 launch to the space station. We have reached out to SpaceX for comment.

LONDON -- Debris recovered off the Isles of Scilly by the coast guard is believed to be from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that exploded shortly after takeoff from Cape Canaveral in June.

A large piece of metal alloy, about 10 meters by 4 meters, was spotted between Bryher and Tresco; local and professional boatmen helped bring it in to the beach at Tresco.

Found: Space rocket. One owner. Currently occupied by several thousand barnacles, sitting tenants. #Scilly #Tresco pic.twitter.com/Om96WOBofM— Tresco Island (@TrescoIsland) November 27, 2015

The Isles of Scilly are located off the southwest tip of the Cornish peninsula -- some 4,000 miles from Cape Canaveral.

"The markings show an American flag. It looks like it’s an American rocket and seems most likely to be the unmanned Space X Falcon 9 which blew up shortly after take-off from Cape Canaveral in June," said Martin Leslie, Coastal Area Commander.

"We’re grateful for all those who helped in its recovery – it was a great example of the community working together."

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The SpaceX rocket exploded minutes after launching from Florida on June 28 on an uncrewed mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. It was the company's first high-profile launch failure.

Mashable has reached out to SpaceX for comment.

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