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The Australian Space Agency revealed on Monday that the mystery metal cylinder that washed up on an Australian beach two weeks ago is most likely debris from a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) third stage that had been expended. It stated, "PSLV is an Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) medium-lift launch vehicle.
We came to the conclusion that the object found on a beach close to Jurien Bay in Western Australia was most likely third-stage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) debris that had already burned up. The space agency said, "The PSLV is a medium-lift launch vehicle operated by ISRO.
The object surfaced on July 16 and the ISRO told HT a day later that it was an older component of the PSLV upper stage.
S. Somanath, the chairman of ISRO, has stated, "This is an older component of the upper stage of the PSLV. It must be older because it is not from a recent expedition. After the atmospheric phase of the launch, the third stage of the PSLV is a solid rocket motor that gives the upper stages considerable thrust.
Damage to an Australian agency
The Australian Space Agency announced that the debris would remain in storage and that it was working with the ISRO to obtain confirmation in order to decide the next course of action, taking into account commitments under space treaties with the UN.
"The Australian Space Agency is committed to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation, and continues to highlight this on the international stage," it added.
People speculated about the object's origins on social media after it surfaced, sparking a frenzy. Additionally, it appeared at the same time as the ISRO moon mission Chandrayaan 3, which launched into space on July 14.
Experts claim that the separated rocket parts, which are typically left behind by all major space organizations during space launches, are not dangerous. When each stage of the rocket's mission is over, its components separate at various times.
