The Australian Space Agency has revealed that a mysterious object that washed up on an Australian beach days ago was most likely third-stage debris from recently launched Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
A day after the Chandrayaan-3 launched, a curious object was found on a beach close to Jurien Bay in Western Australia, leading to rumors that it was a spent stage from the Launch Vehicle Mark-III.
Locals at Green Head, Western Australia, discovered the object, which is a two-meter metal cylinder encrusted with barnacles and corrosion. The area was immediately sealed off for investigation after notifying the authorities. Given the regularity of rocket launches throughout the world, first assumptions suggested that the item might be space debris.
The Australian Space Agency tweeted about their findings, stating, “The debris remains in storage and the Australian Space Agency is working with ISRO, who will provide further confirmation to determine next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties.”
This incident brings into focus the obligations under the United Nations space treaties. These treaties deal with issues such as the non-appropriation of outer space by any one country, arms control, the freedom of exploration, liability for damage caused by space objects, the safety and rescue of spacecraft and astronauts, and the prevention of harmful interference with space activities.
The debris currently remains in storage while the investigation continues.
This incident serves as a reminder of the increasing amount of space debris and the potential risks it poses. As space exploration advances, it is crucial to ensure the safe and responsible use of outer space in line with international treaties and agreements.
While the inquiry is ongoing, the debris is still in storage.
This occurrence serves as a reminder of the dangers that could result from the growing amount of space junk. As space exploration develops, it is essential to guarantee that space is used safely, responsibly, and in accordance with international laws and agreements.
The PSLV is a four-stage system that employs a mixture of rocket stages with solid and liquid fuel. It is intended to launch Earth observation or remote sensing satellites into circular polar orbits around the sun with liftoff masses up to around 1750 kg.
Chandrayaan-3 is the follow-up mission of ISRO post the failure of Chandrayaan-2. It was launched on July 14, 2023, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The lander and rover of Chandryaan-3 are expected to make landing on the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023.
