Four tanks were found in Poland after Space X’s rocked uncontrollably disintegrated over Europe

On February 18-19, 2025, the second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket disintegrated over Europe, creating a spectacular display reminiscent of shooting stars, with debris scattered across Poland. This incident followed a technical malfunction during a mission launched two weeks prior. The Falcon 9's first stage successfully returned to Earth, but due to a liquid oxygen leak increasing combustion rates, the second stage could not execute a planned controlled deorbit maneuver aimed at directing it into the Indian Ocean. Instead, SpaceX opted to passivate the upper stage to mitigate risks, leading to an uncontrolled re-entry monitored by both SpaceX and the European Space Agency. SpaceX is currently working with Polish authorities to recover the debris, while they assure that the recovered materials are not toxic. Local law enforcement is managing the affected areas, and residents are cautioned against handling any debris. From a transportation perspective, this incident highlights the need for robust safety protocols in space operations, particularly regarding re-entry mechanisms and the handling of space debris. The shift from a controlled to an uncontrolled descent underscores the importance of thorough risk assessment and contingency planning in aerospace engineering. Ensuring that technologies are mature enough to handle unexpected failures without jeopardizing safety on the ground is crucial as commercial space travel increases.