Australian Space Agency reveals likely origin of mysterious ‘space balls’ found on Queensland beaches

The Australian Space Agency has warned more debris may be found and people should assume they are hazardous until advised otherwise. Photograph: Queensland Fire Department

The Australian Space Agency has said the six so-called “space balls” found in north Queensland were likely from a “foreign rocket body” that had recently re-entered the atmosphere after being in orbit.

The six mysterious objects were found by the public washed ashore in the Forrest Beach area, north of Townsville, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and were suspected of containing hazardous chemicals.