Chinese Rocket Debris Lands in Indonesia and Minnesota

Suspected fragments of a Chinese rocket have been discovered in a palm oil plantation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, while a separate large metallic object found in a Minnesota cornfield is also being investigated as possible space debris. Indonesian authorities linked the recovered material to the Zhuque-2E rocket, which launched 10 satellites from China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 14, 2026.

According to Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), fragments were found at multiple locations in Kotawaringin Timur Regency after residents reported a loud bang on October 18. The discoveries have prompted further examinations to establish the objects' origins and identify the rocket components involved.

Zachrudien, a member of the Civil Aviation Publication Team at H. Asan Sampit Airport, said the identification was based on information from BRIN following coordination with the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). The first reported fragments were discovered by plantation workers on Monday at PT Agro Bukit's plantation, near kilometer 26.

Investigators examined a code printed on the metal, 2ZQE31-20-15240256KY, which appeared to resemble the rocket's designation. The recovered material was subsequently transported to Iskandar Air Force Base in Pangkalan Bun for identification and security measures.

Another metal object resembling a dome, with cables and other components still attached, was discovered at the plantation on Tuesday. Authorities are examining the recovered pieces to determine their precise origin and establish which parts of the rocket they may represent.

Zachrudien described the transfer of the fragments to the military facility as part of the identification and security process.

"They have now been evacuated to the Iskandar Air Force Base in Pangkalan Bun for further identification and for security reasons," said Zachrudien.

The Indonesian discoveries followed a separate incident in Stevens County, Minnesota, where the sheriff's office received a report of foreign debris in a cornfield in Scott Township on October 14, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Deputies who responded found a large metallic object measuring approximately 11 feet in diameter.

The Stevens County Sheriff's Office notified the Minnesota duty officer, and federal agencies responded. Officials began coordinating efforts to identify the object's owner and arrange its removal from the field.

In a press release, the sheriff's office described the object and the initial assessment by responding authorities.

"Upon responding, deputies confirmed that a large, metallic object, approximately 11-feet in diameter, presumably a space object, was present in the cornfield," the Stevens County Sheriff's Office reported.

Authorities said the investigation involved state and federal agencies and included plans to remove the object. The office also addressed public safety in its statement.

"The Sheriff's Office is working closely with several state and federal agencies to identify and notify the owner of the debris and to plan for removal from the field. Agency officials have determined that there is no danger to the public due to this incident," the office stated.

According to Ars Technica, the Minnesota object could be associated with the upper stage of a LandSpace Zhuque-2E rocket launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on September 15. That possible connection remains under investigation and differs from the October 14 launch linked to the Indonesian fragments.

LandSpace, a Chinese commercial space company, developed the Zhuque-2E rocket involved in the Indonesian investigation. Although its October 14 mission reportedly placed 10 satellites into orbit successfully, authorities are still examining the recovered material in both locations to determine its origin.