In brief
Following a splash‑down in the Indian Ocean, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was sighted towing off the coast of Christmas Island. Local tourism chair David Watchorn joked he first believed he saw ships before realizing the sight was a spacecraft. Residents have mistaken the event for a pop‑up attraction, with some taking time off work to view it and others sending boats to investigate the debris. The unexpected stop underscores commercial spaceflight’s reach into isolated locales, and sparks public fascination with the rocket’s journey from Texas to Pacific waters.
Incredible: SpaceX Rocket Ashore on Christmas Island
A 52‑metre SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has turned up unexpectedly off the coast of Christmas Island after a test flight from Texas ended in a splash‑down in the Indian Ocean.
David Watchorn, chair of the Christmas Island Tourism Association, laughed that he first saw ships when, in reality, a tug‑towed rocket drifted into view. "I didn't realise it was a rocket," Watchorn told BBC reporters.
The sighting sparked curiosity and amusement. Some locals slipped out of office work for a glimpse, while others sent boats to examine the space vehicle and any debris.
"It's really incredible to think about what it's been through," Watchorn said. "The more people look at it, the more fascinating it becomes".
