FORREST BEACH — The Australian Space Agency is collaborating with local authorities to determine the nature and origin of suspected space debris discovered washed ashore in the Forrest Beach area of Townsville, North Queensland. Six objects were found on the beaches, five of which were secured into drums, and a sixth object was being rendered safe on Sunday.

Police indicated that the objects were suspected of containing hazardous chemicals. However, police also stated there was no danger to the local community and are not investigating the incident. The Queensland Fire Department echoed this, confirming there is currently no danger to the local community, advising residents to check information provided by the Australian Space Agency, and stating it is possible more debris will appear in the area over the coming days.

An Australian Space Agency spokesperson confirmed the agency's involvement, stating, "The Australian Space Agency is supporting local authorities in relation to suspected space debris located at Forrest Beach in North Queensland." The spokesperson added, "The Agency is working to determine the nature of the debris and its origin." The agency is working with police and the National Emergency Management Agency.

The objects appeared to be large spheres. Associate Professor Alice Gorman, a space archaeologist and space junk expert at Flinders University, reviewed news footage of the objects. Gorman observed that the objects did not appear to have evidence of burning or scorching. "This suggests they might be from a rocket stage – perhaps a first or second stage – that has fallen back to Earth while the rest of the stage goes on to deliver a payload into space," she said. "They look to be consistent with what you find as part of a fuel system."

Gorman noted that it is also possible the objects might not be from the space industry and could be marine in origin. There are estimated to be more than 30,000 pieces of debris in orbit around the planet. "We've had more space launches in the last five years than in the whole of history," Gorman said. "That means there are more re-entries happening."