Published on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 at 1:27:00 PM
Authorities are investigating after a large piece of suspected space debris — believed to be from a Chinese Jielong rocket — was discovered about 30 kilometres east of Newman on Saturday afternoon.
Shire of East Pilbara President Cr Anthony Middleton said it was just the latest unexpected challenge to land in the region.
“We’ve still got about $60 million in road repairs on our books from Cyclone Zelia — and now we’ve got space junk from a Chinese rocket landing near our roads as well,” Cr Middleton said.
“Out here in the Pilbara we’re used to things falling from the sky — rain, hail, the occasional bird strike — but this one really takes the cake. “We can’t seem to catch a break, but if anyone’s getting a bill for this one, it should be the Chinese space agency.”
The debris was located approximately 30 kilometres east of Newman, near a remote mining access road. Investigators from the Australian Space Agency, WA Police and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services have attended the site.
The Shire of East Pilbara has also formally requested to retain the recovered debris once investigations are complete.
“If we can keep it, we’d love to display it right here in the East Pilbara — it’d make a great talking point for tourists and locals alike,” Cr Middleton said. “It’s not every day a piece of space junk drops out of the sky onto your doorstep.”
The Shire says the discovery highlights both the challenges and the character of living in one of the most remote parts of Australia — where resilience, resourcefulness and a sense of humour are always close at hand.
Back to All News