SCMP Economy2 hours agoSpace1 min readChina

Rocket debris hitting US homeland is ‘embarrassing’ for China, says astronomer

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A farmer in west-central Minnesota discovered a 3.35-meter bowl-shaped object while harvesting corn on October 14.
Space observers suggest the debris likely originated from a Chinese rocket launched on September 15.

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Why It Matters

The object was found on October 14 in a Minnesota cornfield. Space observers linked the debris to a September 15 Chinese rocket launch.

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The farmer found the bowl-shaped object, measuring about 3.35 metres (11 feet) across, while harvesting corn in west-central Minnesota on October 14. Online, some residents joked that aliens had landed, while Chinese internet users said it looked like a giant hotpot.

However, space observers said it most likely came from a Chinese rocket launched on September 15.

Open Questions

Will the object be recovered for official identification?
Which specific rocket mission is the debris linked to?

Rocket debris hitting US homeland is ‘embarrassing’ for China, says astronomer

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Rocket debris hitting US homeland is ‘embarrassing’ for China, says astronomer

Quick Look

Why It Matters

Open Questions

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