A chunk of charred Falcon 9 rocket debris has crash-landed on a Polish warehouse, sparking concerns over the safety of space travel. The object, measuring 3-by-5 feet, was identified as coming from a SpaceX rocket launched on February 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
According to the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), the second stage of the Falcon 9 made an uncontrolled reentry over Poland, causing fragments to burn up and fireballs to be seen in the skies. The debris was found near Komorniki village, about 2½ miles from Wiry village.
Experts say the incident is likely due to an engine or control failure that prevented the second stage from safely landing in the Pacific Ocean. Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell described the object as a composite overwrapped pressure vessel, used to store helium gas. UCLA astronomy professor Edward Wright attributed the problem to a lack of luck, citing recent incidents with the SpaceX Falcon.
The incident marks the fourth recent problematic incident involving the Falcon 9 rocket. In July, an oxygen leak caused engine problems and premature satellite release, while in August, the reusable first stage landed outside its intended area. The company has not commented on the debris found in Poland.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/chunk-spacex-rocket-wound-behind-110007400.html