On October 14, 2026, a farmer in Stevens County flagged a dark, metallic patch in his cornfield while harvesting.
Deputies arrived at 3:30 p.m. and confirmed the disc was charred on one side. Serial numbers were etched on the surface, potentially linking the debris to a specific manufacturer. The sheriff’s office released a brief statement on Facebook, urging calm as authorities investigate.
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell linked the object to the upper stage of a Chinese Zhuque‑2E rocket that re‑entered Earth’s atmosphere over Minnesota on September 15, a month before the find. He noted that larger fragments can survive re‑entry and reach the ground in typical weather conditions.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Space Surveillance Network are collaborating to determine ownership and arrange safe removal. The Minnesota Duty Officer has been notified and will oversee the process.
This discovery follows a March 2024 incident when a 1.6‑pound fragment from the International Space Station struck a Florida home roof, highlighting the growing concern over space debris. Officials say the current object poses no immediate danger to the public.