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3mo ago

SpaceX Rocket Debris Crashes in Poland After Uncontrolled Reentry

A Falcon 9 rocket's second stage failed to deorbit properly, scattering debris across Poland and neighboring regions without causing injuries.

© Adam Borucki/Facebook
Blue Origin space debris from unsuccessful booster recovery
Signatures from Blue Origin employees are visible on part of the New Glenn nose cone, which was jettisoned shortly after the rocket took flight on its maiden voyage in January.

Overview

  • A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched on February 1 experienced an uncontrolled reentry over Poland on February 19, leaving debris scattered across the region.
  • Large pieces of debris, including a 5-by-3-foot pressure vessel, were found near Poznan, Poland, and are being investigated by the Polish Space Agency (POLSA).
  • The reentry created visible fireballs in the skies over Poland, Germany, and Ukraine, with no reported injuries or property damage.
  • Experts believe a failure in the rocket's second stage engine or controls prevented a controlled descent into the ocean, as is standard procedure.
  • The incident underscores growing concerns about the risks of space debris reentering Earth's atmosphere, with calls for stricter measures to ensure safe reentries.