# Space debris discovery in Minnesota

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/space-debris-discovery-in-minnesota
> Updated: 2026-10-21T02:48:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

On October 13, 2026, a large metal object approximately 11 feet in diameter was discovered in a cornfield near Scott Township, Minnesota. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office described the item as “presumably a space object” due to surface charring, though officials noted serial numbers suggested it was man-made debris. Local estimates indicated the object had been in the field for roughly six weeks.

Subsequent investigations by state and federal agencies identified the debris as likely being the upper stage of a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket. Experts stated the object was a “perfect match” for the rocket stage that launched from the Gobi Desert on September 15 to deploy ten satellites. The debris is believed to have reentered the atmosphere over the Midwest.

## Claims

- A metallic object approximately 11 feet in diameter was found in a Minnesota cornfield. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The debris had been in the field for about six weeks. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The object contains serial numbers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The object was discovered near Scott Township, Minnesota. (single source)
- The object is likely the upper stage of a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket. (single source)
- The Zhuque-2E rocket launched on September 15 from the Gobi Desert. (single source)
- The rocket was launched to deploy ten satellites. (single source)
- The object poses no danger to the public. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Chinese rocket debris identified in Minnesota cornfield

A massive 11-foot metallic object found in a Minnesota cornfield has been identified as debris from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket launched in mid-September.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-rocket-debris-identified-in-minnesota-cornfield

### 2026-10-16: Minnesota authorities investigate large space object found in cornfield

Federal agencies are investigating a charred, 11-foot-wide metal object found in a Minnesota cornfield, believed to be man-made space debris.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minnesota-authorities-investigate-large-space-object-found-in-cornfield

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Cite as: Space debris discovery in Minnesota. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/space-debris-discovery-in-minnesota