Six pieces of suspected space debris were found washed up on north Queensland beaches, specifically at Forrest Beach. Australian authorities began investigating the origin and nature of the debris, and police said the objects were suspected of containing hazardous chemicals or toxic rocket fuel.

Experts suggested the objects could be "space balls" left over from rocket launches. According to the Times of India, experts also predict encounters with such debris will become more frequent as space launches increase.

The Queensland Fire Department secured five of the six objects in drums and was rendering the sixth safe, as reported by Free Press Journal. The same outlet noted that authorities said there was no danger to the local community and that police were not investigating the incident. Officials warned that more debris could wash ashore in the coming days and advised residents to follow updates from the Australian Space Agency.

Authorities determined the objects were remnants of space debris—specifically pressure vessels from rocket launch vehicles, according to the Times of India.