China’s rocket segment on Sunday re-entered the Earth and disintegrated over Indian Ocean, AFP reported, quoting the country’s space agency. It came after widespread speculations over where the 18-tonne object would land. 

“After monitoring and analysis, at 10:24 (0224 GMT) on May 9, 2021, the last-stage wreckage of the Long March 5B Yao-2 launch vehicle has re-entered the atmosphere,” the China Manned Space Engineering Office said in a statement. It landed near the Maldives. 

Also read: Chinese rocket making uncontrollable re-entry to Earth: All you need to know

The space agency added that the segment disintegrated and was destroyed during re-entry.

Several experts had correctly predicted that the segment would splash down into the ocean, given that 70% of the planet is covered by water.

Also read: #ChineseRocket trends after reports of out-of-control rocket debris falling to Earth

But the uncontrolled re-entry had sparked concerns about possible damage and casualties, despite of the low statistical chance.

Also read: Chinese rocket tumbling down to Earth. But US has no plans to shoot it down

The rocket was launched into Earth orbit on April 29.

Last year, debris from another Long March rocket fell on villages in the Ivory Coast. It caused structural damage but no injuries or deaths.