ISRO scientists recover rocket debris found floating near Thondi coast

A team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Thiruvananthapuram, has recovered a piece of rocket debris that was found floating in the sea near Thiruppalaikudi. 

On March 12, local fishermen alerted the Marine Police after spotting an object resembling a missile part floating approximately six nautical miles off the Thiruppalaikudi coast.  

Following the tip off, Devipattinam Marine Police inspected the site by boat and issued a warning to fishermen not to approach or touch the object. 

Upon investigation, the Marine Police identified the object as a component of an Indian PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket and promptly informed ISRO. Over the past few days, the debris gradually drifted from its original position, reaching within one nautical mile of the shore on Wednesday. 

In response, a three-member scientific team from the Thiruvananthapuram ISRO, led by Scientist Saju, arrived at the spot.  

With the assistance of Devipattinam Marine Police, his team, and local fishermen, the debris was successfully hauled to the shore. The rocket part was then loaded onto a specialised vehicle and transported back to the Thiruvananthapuram Space Centre. 

ISRO scientists clarified that the recovered object is a booster part of the rocket, which detaches and falls back to Earth after the fuel is consumed during launch. They assured the public that the component poses no danger or threat.