The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has confirmed that the “mystery object” that landed in Mukuku Village, Makueni County, on Monday is space debris.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KSA identified the object as a metallic ring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing around 500 kilograms. It was determined to be a fragment from a space object.
“Preliminary assessments indicate that the fallen object is a separation ring from a launch vehicle (rocket),” read part of the statement.
The agency explained that such rings are typically designed to burn up during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere or fall into uninhabited regions, such as oceans.
“This is an isolated case, which the Agency will investigate and address using the established framework under International Space Law,” the statement added.
The object is currently in the custody of KSA for further analysis. The agency reassured the public that it poses no immediate safety threat.
“Our experts will analyze the object, use existing frameworks to identify its owner, and keep the public informed of the next steps and outcomes,” KSA stated.
The agency emphasized its commitment to promoting safe and responsible space activities for Kenyan entities operating locally or internationally. It also urged the public to promptly report any suspicious objects or unusual occurrences to the appropriate authorities.
