Polish authorities warn that a fragment of a Chinese rocket may pass over Poland as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere on January 30.
Government Safety Center Issues Warning
Rządowe Centrum Bezpieczeństwa (RCB) announced on Thursday, January 29, about a forecast from the Polish Space Agency (POLSA). “On January 30, a fragment of a Chinese rocket will enter Earth’s atmosphere. Some of its last passes may occur over Poland. According to current data, re-entry may occur between 3:35 and 16:51 Polish time.”
As emphasized, these are only estimates that may still change with the arrival of new data. RCB assures constant contact with the Agency, and the situation is being monitored in real-time. Citizens were also advised to follow official communications issued by POLSA in relation to this situation.
Polish Space Agency Warns of Potential Survival
According to Polish Space Agency, the object may not completely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
As reported on next.gazeta.pl, the object ZQ-3 R/B consists of fragments from a Chinese rocket launched in early December. “Based on the latest available information on orbital position, we estimate entry of object ZQ-3 R/B into Earth’s atmosphere between 2026-01-30 02:35 UTC and 2026-01-30 15:51 UTC. The uncertainty window for entry into the atmosphere is currently estimated at: 2026-01-30 09:13 UTC +/- 06:38 hours, and may change,” POLSA states in their communication.
As added, due to the estimated mass (11,000 kg) and unknown structure of the ZQ-3 R/B object, “it may not completely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.”
