From Victoria to the Philippines, reports of fireballs seemingly pop up every few weeks. Are they becoming more frequent or are we just better at catching them?<\/p>\n
Initial assessments suggested the item was made of carbon fibre.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Police said it may be “a composite-overwrapped pressure vessel or rocket tank”, consistent with “aerospace components”.<\/p>\n
“In consultation with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the object has been ruled out as originating from a commercial aircraft,” police said in a statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Police said the item had characteristics of space re-entry debris.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Further technical assessment will be undertaken by engineers from the Australian Space Agency to assist in identifying its nature and source,” the statement said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The suspected space junk. (Supplied: WA Police\u00a0)<\/p>\n
Police said they were working with the Australian Space Agency, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the mine operator.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The object has been secured, and there is no current threat to public safety,” police said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The item is believed to be made of carbon fibre.\u00a0 (Supplied: WA Police\u00a0)<\/p>\n
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