WA Police are investigating a possible case of space debris right now. Pine workers discovered the burning vehicle near the Diamond Butte remote access road on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 2:00 pm, approximately 30 kilometers east of Newman, in Western Australia. As soon as workers spotted the balloon, they immediately called emergency services to report it.
Testimony on the object described it simply, as a black figure. It was located on a short, dusty red dirt road literally adjacent to the mine site. Because of the bizarre nature of the discovery, police quickly cordoned off the site. Now we’re in the mode where they’re judging it.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has verified that the object is not from a commercial plane. Further background WA Police were consulted on this decision. They stressed the importance of bringing public safety to the forefront throughout their still-ongoing investigation.
“In consultation with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the object has been ruled out as originating from a commercial aircraft,” – WA Police
Once that first discovery is made, engineers from the Australian Space Agency will spring into action. They will be doing extensive technical tests to reveal the object’s origin and nature. This joint effort is a sign of the seriousness with which authorities are treating the longterm potential impact of the discovery.
“Further technical assessment will be undertaken by engineers from the Australian Space Agency to assist in identifying its nature and source,” – WA Police
Officials have attempted to quell the fears of an alarmed public with false safety promises. By having control of the object, we’ve made sure there is no danger to public health and safety. Today, area residents and workers are able to enjoy their daily activities without the threat of violence.
“The object has been secured, and there is no current threat to public safety,” – WA Police
The investigation into this suspected space debris incident underscores the increasing interest in and scrutiny of objects entering Earth’s atmosphere. As technology continues to expand, and as we continue our return to deep space, events like this may be impossible to avoid.
