Debris bearing the logo of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and India’s national emblem has been found on an uninhabited island near L. Kunahandhoo in the Maldives, days after it reportedly washed ashore.
The object, identified by trackers as part of a payload fairing from ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3, was discovered on February 12. No injuries or property damage have been reported. ISRO has not yet confirmed whether the debris belongs to one of its missions.
The photos were posted by @ispaceflight_in on X. The post suggested that the markings place the debris as likely originating from the LVM3-M6 mission.
ISRO launched the LVM3-M6 mission on December 19, 2025. The heavy-lift rocket carried the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite for U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile. The LVM3, also known as Launch Vehicle Mark-3, is India’s most powerful operational rocket. It uses two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.
During ascent, rockets discard components such as payload fairings once they complete their function. These parts typically fall into designated ocean zones. Ocean currents can later carry floating debris far from the original drop site.
ISRO has not issued an official statement confirming ownership of the debris. The agency may verify serial markings or mission data before doing so.