NASA: Report Any SpaceX Rocket Debris Sightings

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – NASA is asking the public to report any findings of debris from the  SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that exploded shortly after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.  

A U.S. National Weather Service radar map shows that debris from the rocket, Dragon 9 capsule, and International Space Station payload fell into the Atlantic Ocean from an altitude of 150,000 feet with a debris field that spanned from about 30 miles east of New Smyrna Beach, Florida to just west of the Florida Gulf Stream.

Data provided by a NOAA buoy closest to the SpaceX debris field indicated that 1.6 ft. waves were traveling in an east-northeasterly direction, while winds were coming from the south-southwest at 9-10 knots at the time of the explosion.

According to the Brevard County Emergency Management office, which is the agency that coordinates civilian emergency responses during any rocket launch failure on Florida’s Space Coast, debris is not expected to wash ashore for three to five days. If debris does wash ashore, it is expected to be in an area north of St. Augustine, Florida.

If you spot debris in the water or see it washed up anywhere along the east coast of Florida shore, officials ask that you report it to either NASA’s debris reporting hotline at 321-867-2121 or Patrick Air Force Base at 321-494-7001 or contact your nearest local law enforcement official. 

Graphic Credits: National Weather Service, Melbourne, Florida.