Large Metallic Object Found in Minnesota Field Investigated as Space Debris
A large 3.4-meter metallic object found in a Minnesota cornfield is suspected to be space debris potentially linked to a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket re-entry.
A large metallic object measuring approximately 3.4 meters in diameter was discovered in a cornfield in Scott Township, Stevens County, Minnesota. The local sheriff's office reported that deputies responded to the scene on October 14 at approximately 15:30 following reports of the unusual find. Authorities initially suspected the object could be space debris, though no official identification or explanation of its origin has been released.
Federal officials were called in to assist with the investigation and determine how to handle the object, which was removed from the field to a secure location on October 15. According to an investigation published on October 19 by Ars Technica, the object may originate from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket launched roughly a month prior to its discovery. The upper stage of the rocket re-entered the atmosphere over the USA, and its diameter matches the dimensions of the object found in the field. However, official confirmation is still pending.
Authorities emphasized that the object poses no danger to the public, and no injuries were reported. If verified as space debris, this incident will join previous cases of orbital hardware reaching the ground, such as suspected satellite fragments washing ashore in Queensland, Australia, earlier this year.
