SUMMARY

SUMMARY

This event was the re-entry of a rocket body from a Chinese CZ-4C rocket. This rocket originally launched the Ludi Tance 1-01A radar Earth observation satellite on 26 January 2022. 

The rocket body disintegrated as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over the US/Canada border, moving towards the southeast. NOAA weather radar data shows debris from the rocket body in a line extending between Duluth and Minneapolis, down into eastern Iowa. 

A cluster of radar signatures near the US/Canada border probably represents lightweight material such as insulation. Further south along the track, four objects appear west of Duluth with strong radar signatures. Given their position along the track and their persistent strong radar signatures, these objects may be Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs), lightweight tanks for fuel or pressurizing gas. Lightweight debris from the event is observable on radar passing over Duluth and moving over Lake Superior in accordance with west-to-east prevailing winds.

Additional radar signatures appear in a track extending east of Minneapolis and further into eastern Iowa. Debris found farther south along the ground track should be composed of more massive pieces of the rocket, such as rocket motor components. Debris may be lying on the ground surface or may be embedded in the ground, depending on the size and weight of the individual components.

Before handling any debris from this event, be advised that the CZ-4C uses hydrazine+nitrogen tetroxide fuels with significant toxicity concerns. These compounds may or may not be present in the debris.