Falling Space Debris Incident Reported in Ethiopia

Conference Banner
Image of reported high-speed moving objects in South and Southwestern Ethiopia on January 10th at 7:10 PM EAT. Source: Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS)

The Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) of Ethiopia announced that on January 10th, at around 7:30 PM EAT, the public reported observing fast-moving objects across the southern and southeastern skies. SSGI’s official statement, backed by the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, indicated that the objects might be meteors or space debris.

Thus, Ethiopian authorities from the Ministry, SSGI and other relevant stakeholders are closely investigating the incident to provide updated information. Additionally, they urge the public to remain calm and cautious while the investigations are ongoing. 

Initial Reports from the ESSS

The Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) recently released its preliminary findings on the matter. The society consolidated data from multiple space observatories and databases, formulating several scientific hypotheses. The initial submission presented by ESS suggested that the object in question is the remnant of a Chinese satellite, identified as ShiJian-19. ESSS included the complete analysis of the satellite’s remnants in their publication, underscoring their transparency and allowing further public scrutiny of the data. 

The ShiJian-19 was launched into orbit on 17 September 2017 and returned to Earth on 1 October 2017. Notably, various components utilised during its mission were reported to have detached from the primary satellite and continued to orbit independently. The ESSS further noted that the data utilised in the analysis were derived from third-party databases. Consequently, official confirmation of these findings from the satellite’s proprietor, the Chinese authorities, was awaited.

Recent Space Debris Incidents

This comes barely one month after a recent incident was reported in Kenya on 30 December 2024, where a partially burnt metallic fragment from a space object fell from the sky and landed in Mukuku Village, Makueni County. The Kenya Space Agency is still conducting thorough investigations under the established framework of international space law and has assured the public that its findings will be released transparently and promptly upon the inquiry’s conclusion. 

Additionally, in May 2023, space debris from a U.S.-based satellite launch fell on the western parts of Uganda, causing significant damage over a 40-kilometre area. The National Forensic Sciences University Uganda (NFSU) analysed the incident. It released a forensic report recommending that Uganda take legal action against SpaceX under the United Nations Outer Space Treaty framework. 

Other similar cases of space debris have also been reported outside East Africa, such as the car-sized meteorite that fell into the Eastern Cape province of South Africa in August 2024. Furthermore, in West Africa, debris from a Chinese rocket launch was reported to have fallen into at least two villages in Ivory Coast following an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s core stage in May 2020. These incidents, and several others globally, have sparked discussions about the growing concerns surrounding space debris and its potential risks to populated regions.