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Chinese rocket debris identified in Minnesota cornfield
A large metallic object, approximately 11 feet in diameter, was discovered by a farmer harvesting corn near Scott Township, Minnesota. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office reported the object was found in a cornfield and described it as 'presumably a space object.'
Based on the growth of the corn beneath the debris, local estimates suggest the object had been lying in the field for approximately six weeks. The object features serial numbers that investigators are using to help identify its origin and owner. State and federal agencies are working together to manage the removal of the debris.
Reports indicate the object is likely the upper stage of a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket. This rocket launched from the Gobi Desert on September 15 to deploy ten satellites. Experts noted the debris is a 'perfect match' for the rocket's upper stage, which reentered the atmosphere over the Midwest, including areas such as Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Entities
Ars Technica · Gobi Desert · Minnesota · Stevens County Sheriff’s Office · Zhuque-2E
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The debris had been in the field for about six weeks. wltreport.com · nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The object was discovered near Scott Township, Minnesota. nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The rocket was launched to deploy ten satellites. www.dexerto.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Zhuque-2E rocket launched on September 15 from the Gobi Desert. www.dexerto.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The object is likely the upper stage of a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket. www.dexerto.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A metallic object approximately 11 feet in diameter was found in a Minnesota cornfield. wltreport.com · www.dexerto.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The object contains serial numbers. wltreport.com · nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The object poses no danger to the public. nypost.com