A new investigation connects the mysterious object to a rocket launched from China on September 15, 2026.<\/p>\n
The discovery has drawn attention because of the object’s unusual size and possible journey from space.<\/p>\n
However, its origin has not been officially confirmed.<\/p>\n
Mysterious Metal Object Found Near Morris<\/h2>\n
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office received a report of unusual debris around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 14.<\/p>\n
Deputies responded to a cornfield in Scott Township, west of Morris.<\/p>\n
They discovered a large, circular metal object measuring approximately 11 feet across.<\/p>\n
The object appeared scorched, raising questions about whether it had fallen through Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Officials contacted the Minnesota Duty Officer, and federal agencies became involved in identifying the object.<\/p>\n
Authorities determined the debris posed no danger to the public.<\/p>\n
The object was removed from the field Thursday evening and taken to a secure location.<\/p>\n
Chinese Rocket Identified as Possible Source<\/h2>\n
Space reporter Stephen Clark of Ars Technica<\/a> traced the possible source to a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket.<\/p>\n The rocket launched from northwestern China on September 15, 2026.<\/p>\n It was built by LandSpace, a Chinese aerospace company.<\/p>\n The mission successfully placed 10 communications satellites into orbit.<\/p>\n Those satellites are part of China’s Qianfan communications network.<\/p>\n The rocket’s upper stage measured approximately 11 feet in diameter.<\/p>\n That measurement closely matches the object discovered near Morris.<\/p>\n The rocket’s flight path also matches reports of glowing debris crossing the Midwest on September 15.<\/p>\n These findings suggest the metal object could be part of the rocket’s upper stage.<\/p>\n However, authorities have not officially confirmed the connection.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rockets often release their satellites before returning unused sections toward Earth.<\/p>\n Operators usually try to direct these sections toward remote ocean areas.<\/p>\n This helps reduce the risk of debris reaching populated areas.<\/p>\n According to Ars Technica, the Chinese rocket fired its engine after deploying the satellites.<\/p>\n That maneuver lowered the rocket stage toward Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n The report suggests the return may not have followed its intended path.<\/p>\n However, a failed return maneuver has not been officially confirmed.<\/p>\n Most space debris burns up while passing through the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Larger metal pieces can sometimes survive and reach the ground.<\/p>\n State and federal officials are working to determine the object’s origin and ownership.<\/p>\n The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office has not announced when the investigation will be completed.<\/p>\n No injuries were reported in connection with the discovery.<\/p>\n The Stevens County Times<\/a> published the original sheriff’s office report.<\/p>\n![\"Stevens](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Stevens-County-11-Foot-Space-Object-Found-in-Cornfield.jpg\")
<\/a>Did the Rocket’s Return to Earth Go Wrong?<\/h2>\n
Federal Agencies Continue Investigation<\/h2>\n