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2 clusters · 5 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated

Chinese rocket debris fall in Indonesia

Overview

Large metal debris from a Chinese ZhuQue-2E (ZQ-2E) rocket was discovered in a palm oil plantation near Sampit, Central Kalimantan, on October 19, 2026. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion or rumbling sound the previous evening.

Researchers from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) identified the fragments as space junk that underwent atmospheric reentry. Astrophysicist Thomas Djamaluddin noted that orbital data shows the rocket traversed the Kalimantan region from north to south on October 18, matching the timing of local reports. The debris, described by police as a scorched aluminum piece approximately 9 meters long, fell near residential and work areas, though no injuries, property damage, or toxic leaks were reported.

The ZhuQue-2E is a satellite launch vehicle developed by the Chinese commercial space company LandSpace. It had launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 14, 2026, carrying ten satellites.

Entities

Zhuque-2E · Sampit · National Research and Innovation Agency · Thomas Djamaluddin · LandSpace

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    BRIN identifies Chinese rocket debris found in Sampit

    Indonesia's BRIN identifies debris found in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, as likely fragments of a Chinese ZhuQue-2E rocket.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Chinese rocket debris falls in Indonesian palm oil plantation

    Debris from a Chinese ZhuQue-2E rocket has been identified by Indonesian researchers after falling into a palm oil plantation in Central Kalimantan. No injuries or toxic leaks were reported.

Sources

antaranews.com · harianjogja.com · leonarddavid.com · soha.vn · tienphong.vn