Strange debris has been found around the WNC portion of the SpaceX spacecraft

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — It's official: Debris found scattered in several places in western North Carolina was part of a SpaceX spacecraft that broke up during reentry.

A statement issued by NASA Public Affairs on Thursday, June 20, confirmed what many have been wondering for weeks.

On a distant road, a man stumbles upon a heavy, mysterious object that is likely from outer space

“SpaceX has confirmed the re-entry of the Dragon spacecraft's box hardware to NASA following its service missions to the International Space Station,” the press release said.

“Most recently, the boxes that supported SpaceX's 30 commercial services and Crew-7 missions were resupplied to Saudi Arabia and North Carolina, respectively,” the statement continues. NASA is not aware of any structural damage or injuries resulting from these findings. “

Officials said the debris was expected to burn up upon returning to Earth, but several pieces appeared in the mountains of North Carolina.

“During its initial design, the Dragon spacecraft's trunk was evaluated for disintegration upon re-entry and was expected to burn up completely,” the statement said. “Information from the debris recovery process provides teams with an opportunity to improve debris modeling. NASA and SpaceX will continue to explore additional solutions as we learn from the debris discovered.”

Unwanted space in your backyard? Another North Carolina resident finds mysterious wreckage

Between late May and early June, News 13 spoke with three mountain residents who found what some believe to be space debris. One piece was found on a remote road in Haywood County It was three feet high and so heavy that it had to be done with a lawnmower. Franklin and Jackson County residents found two smaller objects.

More space debris? NC resident suspects the object that crashed into the house came from above

NASA officials advise anyone who finds a piece of space debris not to handle it or recover it. Instead, residents are asked to contact the SpaceX Debris hotline at 1-866-623-0234 or [email protected].