Chinese space junk creates a spectacular fireball over Southern California

Residents of Southern California were treated to a breathtaking sight as a massive piece of Chinese space debris streaked across the sky on Tuesday morning, lighting up the darkness with a blazing fireball.

According to Space.com, the flaming wreckage is believed to be the orbital module from China’s Shenzhou 15 astronaut mission, which was launched back in November 2022. The debris was part of the spaceship’s extra space for astronauts and experiments.

The orbital module, weighing approximately 3,300 pounds, had been orbiting the Earth since its launch. While some initially speculated that the fireball might be related to a SpaceX rocket launch, but it turned out to be the result of the Shenzhou 15 orbital module.

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by space junk and the need for responsible space exploration practices. As space agencies and private companies continue to launch missions into orbit, mitigating the risk of debris collisions remains a critical priority for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities.

Events like the flaming descent of the Shenzhou 15 orbital module highlight the significance of international cooperation and responsible space-faring practices to safeguard the future of space exploration as the space community struggles with these issues.