SpaceX Isn't Sure If This Object Came From One of Its Rockets

It might have come from a rocket burn-up in March.

Mystery Debris

Authorities in Oregon have discovered an object that they believe might debris from a SpaceX rocket — but the aeronautics company isn’t too sure. 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that they found what looks to be charred debris from a Falcon 9 rocket, according to The Oregonian. When contacted about the object, SpaceX said they weren't able to verify that it was a part of the rocket by looking at the photos. 

You can take a look for yourself below and see if you think it comes from a rocket:

Light Up the Sky

Officials suspect that the object came from a failed SpaceX launch on March 4 when a Falcon 9 rocket failed to light its second stage. The booster then deorbited and fell through Earth’s atmosphere burning up spectacularly over the skies of the Pacific Northwest.

At least the re-entry looked super cool though:

 

So it wouldn’t be too surprising if the piece belonged to one of SpaceX’s rockets. The company did say that the object might be a "composite overwrapped pressure vessel," according to the Oregonian. They also told local authorities that it should be safe to transport for further analysis. 

This wouldn't be the first time a piece of debris from a SpaceX launch ended up in the hands of civilians. One spectator was able to claim a charred piece of debris after the company's Starship rocket SN11 exploded in Boca Chia, Texas.

So Elon Musk, if you're reading this, please be sure to pick up after yourself the next time a rocket burns up.

READ MORE: Did SpaceX debris wash ashore at the Oregon coast? Officials aren’t sure. [The Oregonian]

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