A Chinese rocket deorbited over Minnesota and left this in a farmer’s cornfield
A large metal object found in a Minnesota cornfield is believed to be debris from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket that launched a month earlier. The discovery has renewed attention on how rocket stages are disposed of and the risks when debris survives re-entry over populated areas.
The 11-foot-wide object matches the rocket’s upper-stage diameter. The rocket launched on 15 September, released 10 satellites for China’s Qianfan communications network, then made a deorbit burn; its flight lasted about 75 to 80 minutes and did not complete a full orbit. Authorities say the debris poses no public danger and are working with state and federal agencies to identify its owner and arrange removal.
- An 11-foot object in a Minnesota field is likely Chinese rocket debris.
- The Zhuque-2E launched 10 Qianfan satellites before deorbiting.
- Authorities say the object poses no danger to the public.