Panic struck the residents of Gendrasahi village in Nilagiri block’s Naranpur panchayat when an unidentified solar-powered device descended from the sky and caught on a tree behind the local Anganwadi center.
The mystery was resolved after scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) contacted local authorities to explain that the device was a lost weather monitoring sensor.
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon when villagers spotted a solar box-like object suspended from a Sal tree by a bright yellow wire. Marked with the serial number P 0086, the unexpected object sparked fear among locals regarding its origins and safety. Fearing a potential hazard, villagers immediately notified the Brahmapur Police and the local Fire Services department.
Police personnel quickly arrived at the scene and retrieved the box. Upon opening the container, officers discovered an antenna and a transmitter bearing labels indicating it was an atmospheric and meteorological measuring instrument.
Investigating officers located a phone number printed inside the transmitter housing. Upon dialing the number, police were connected to ISRO officials. Shortly after, two ISRO scientists—Nemi Chand and Rahul Shivgotira—contacted the police to clarify the situation.
According to the scientists, the device is an expensive atmospheric testing instrument that was detached mid-air when its carrying weather balloon burst during a routine test. Because the equipment landed safely without damage, ISRO requested that the police safeguard and return the unit.
Brahmapur Police Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Jayanta Patnaik confirmed the development, stating that official documentation and verification paperwork have been requested from ISRO. The high-tech payload will be formally handed over to the space agency once the necessary verification is completed.
