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Australia’s space agency is investigating a charred, smoldering object found on a remote road in Western Australia’s Pilbara, confirming it is suspected space debris. Officials say it is likely a propellant tank or pressure vessel from a launch vehicle and are working with local authorities and other agencies to determine its origin; size and weight were not disclosed. Sky News reported mine workers discovered it Saturday and that local authorities saw no threat to public safety, a detail NBC News has not independently verified. The discovery comes amid growing worries about space junk as launches increase.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.