A significant piece of SpaceX rocket debris, measuring 52 meters in length, has been spotted off the coast of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. The debris arrived following a test flight that originated from Texas on July 24.
David Watchorn, chair of the Christmas Island Tourism Association, initially mistook the object for ships while commuting to work before realizing it was a rocket being towed. The discovery has generated considerable local interest, with some residents leaving work to catch a glimpse of the sizable piece of space hardware. Others have reportedly begun preparing their boats for a closer inspection of the remnants.
"It's really incredible to think about what it's been through," Watchorn told the BBC, remarking on the increasing fascination with the object as one looks at it more closely.