Rocket debris from China's largest rocket fell through Earth's atmosphere
Update August 1, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. ET: Although a significant amount of the Long March rocket debris likely burned up in Earth's atmosphere — as is typical with many objects when they heat up during their high-speed descent — there are reports of large rocket debris landing in areas like Borneo.
The U.S. Space Command has confirmed that debris from a Chinese rocket has re-entered Earth’s atmosphere but does not pose a threat to populated areas of the globe. This is a relief to enthusiasts and concerned spectators alike who have been tracking the trajectory of the debris for the past few days and are worried it may cause physical injury, death, or property damage.
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The New York Times reports that a Weibo post from the Chinese Manned Space Agency claims that most of the debris burned up on re-entry over the Sulu Sea, just southwest of the Philippines.
Sightings of debris in the sky were posted on Twitter by users in Borneo.
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The debris came from China's largest rocket, Long March 5B, which launched on Sunday, July 24. It was carrying a laboratory module for China’s space station, Tiangong, which is still under construction. This was the rocket's third flight and its second to drop debris. On its first flight in 2020, its booster fell and caused property damage on Western Africa's Ivory Coast.
Elizabeth is a digital culture reporter covering the internet's influence on self-expression, fashion, and fandom. Her work explores how technology shapes our identities, communities, and emotions. Before joining Mashable, Elizabeth spent six years in tech. Her reporting can be found in Rolling Stone, The Guardian, TIME, and Teen Vogue. Follow her on Instagram here.
