Chinese rocket: Rocket debris re-entered atmosphere over Indian Ocean, US Space Command says

China’s 23-ton Long March 5B rocket, which delivered a new module to its space station, lifted off from Hainan Island at 2:22 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 24, and the module docked with success at the Chinese orbital outpost. The rocket had since made an uncontrolled descent into Earth’s atmosphere – marking the third time China has been accused of failing to properly handle space debris from its rocket stage.

In a statement Saturday on Twitter, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson wrote China « did not share specific information about the trajectory » when the rocket fell back to Earth.

« This is essential for the responsible use of space and for keeping people safe here on Earth, » he added.

In a statement, China’s Manned Space Agency said the remains of the rocket reentered the atmosphere around 12:55 a.m. Sunday Beijing time, or around 12:55 a.m. ET Saturday.

The agency added that most of the remains burned in the re-entry process over the Sulu Sea, which lies between the island of Borneo and the Philippines.

« What we really want to know is if any pieces ended up on the ground, » McDowell told CNN. « It may take a little longer for the reports to filter. »

Video posted online appears to show what experts believe is footage of the rocket booster burning in the atmosphere, but CNN cannot confirm its veracity.

Vanessa Julan, a resident of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, shared a video with CNN that shows what appears to be burning rocket debris.

She told CNN she shot the footage around 12:50 p.m. local time, the same time as Beijing.