Science & Tech · Space · 1 day ago
Possible space debris found in Minnesota cornfield
On October 14, officials found an 11-foot metal object in a Minnesota cornfield in Scott Township, Stevens County.
Authorities believe it may be space debris, and the object appeared scorched underneath.
A second account says the evidence points to a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket, but authorities have not publicly identified a rocket or satellite linked to the object.
The find prompted a response from state and federal officials, and the object was moved to a secure location.
Officials say it poses no danger to the public, and visible serial numbers may help investigators trace its maker or owner.
Stevens County Sheriff Jason Dingman said multiple agencies are helping determine its origin, but he could not name them.
Investigators are working to identify and contact its owner and arrange removal from the field.
A metallic object about 11 feet in diameter was found in a Minnesota cornfield on October 14, 2026.
Stevens County authorities said it may be space debris and moved it to a secure location.
Officials have not publicly linked the object to a specific rocket, satellite or launch.
Ars Technica reported that the evidence points to debris from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket.
Authorities said the discovery poses no danger to the public.
- Who
- The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office and state and federal officials are investigating. Ars Technica says the debris is part of a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket.
- What
- A metallic object believed by authorities to be space debris was found in a cornfield.
- When
- October 14, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m.
- Where
- A cornfield in Scott Township, Stevens County, Minnesota.
- Why
- The object’s origin is being investigated. Ars Technica says it is debris from a Chinese rocket.
Stevens County authorities
Ars Technica
Object’s origin
Stevens County authorities
Authorities have not publicly linked the object to a particular satellite, rocket or launch.
Ars Technica
Ars Technica says the evidence points to debris from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket.
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office received a call about foreign debris in a cornfield in Scott Township.
The Minnesota Duty Officer was alerted, federal agencies responded and authorities moved the object to a secure location.
Sheriff Jason Dingman said several agencies were helping determine the object’s origin.
- Object size
- Approximately 11 feet in diameter
- Discovery date
- October 14, 2026
- Location
- Scott Township, Stevens County, Minnesota
- Object status
- Moved to a secure location
- Possible origin
- Ars Technica identifies it as debris from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket
3 sources
What people are saying
There are several various agencies assisting in the determination of origin of this object
We're not getting fed much information either and what info we do get is pretty cryptic.
It's very large. Compared to the trucks, it seems very large and bizarre that it just kind of landed there in the middle of a field