SpaceX Rocket Debris Crashes into Backyard of Private Home
Fortunately, No Casualties Reported from the Falling Debris
A spaceship rocket debris crashed into the backyard of a house in Poland. On the 19th (local time), foreign media including the British BBC reported that around 3:30 a.m., an object engulfed in flames was seen flying across the Northern European sky, and later the debris of the object fell into a nearby house. The object was the 'Falcon 9' rocket from SpaceX, an American aerospace company led by Elon Musk. The rocket was engulfed in flames during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, and this was witnessed in Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
A spaceship rocket debris crash occurred in the backyard of a house in Poland. On the 19th (local time), foreign media including the British BBC reported that around 3:30 a.m., an object engulfed in flames was seen flying in the Northern European sky, and later the debris of the object crashed into a nearby house. BBC
At around 10 a.m. that day, Adam Borucki, who lives in Komorniki, Poland, reported to the police after seeing an object about 1.5 meters long and 1 meter wide, resembling an 'exploded tank,' next to his backyard shed. The police and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) suspected that the object was the second stage of the Falcon rocket. They received a notification that the rocket entered Polish airspace in an 'uncontrolled' state between 4:46 and 4:48 a.m. Fortunately, there were no casualties caused by the debris. However, the lighting equipment installed by the homeowner in the yard was damaged.
The rocket debris originated from a rocket launched on the 1st from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at Harvard University, stated, "Originally, this spacecraft was supposed to re-enter Earth's atmosphere under control and crash into the Pacific Ocean, but the engine malfunctioned, and it orbited Earth for several weeks before falling uncontrollably." He added, "The debris passed over the UK, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe at a speed of about 17,000 miles per hour. Large fragments were found in Poland, but it is suspected that debris also fell in western Ukraine." He expressed concern, saying, "So far, we have been lucky and no one has been injured, but as more space debris enters Earth's orbit, our luck is likely to run out."
This rocket debris was launched on the 1st from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at Harvard University, stated, "Originally, this spacecraft was supposed to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere under control and crash into the Pacific Ocean, but due to engine failure, it orbited the Earth for several weeks before falling uncontrollably to Earth." UPI·Yonhap News
Meanwhile, SpaceX holds a virtually monopolistic position in the rocket launch and satellite internet markets. As of the first quarter of 2024, SpaceX conducted over 85% of all satellite launches worldwide, securing an overwhelming market share in the global rocket launch market. In particular, SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service had over 5 million subscribers across 114 countries as of 2024, dominating the global satellite internet market and experiencing rapid revenue growth. Additionally, SpaceX's other key project, Starship, is preparing to pioneer the future space cargo transport, human transportation, and space tourism markets through the development of next-generation super heavy-lift rockets.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
