The Australian Space Agency has said that the dome-shaped object that washed up on a remote Australian beach last month is most likely debris from an expended Indian rocket.

“We have concluded the object located on a beach near Jurien Bay in Western Australia is most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PSLV is a medium-lift launch vehicle operated by ISRO,” the Australian Space Agency said in a tweet on Monday.

“The debris remains in storage and the Australian Space Agency is working with ISRO, who will provide further confirmation to determine the next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties,” it further said.

According to the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, countries are required to return any “foreign” space objects found in their territory to their owners.

“The Australian Space Agency is committed to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation, and continues to highlight this on the international stage,” the Australian space agency added.

Earlier, on July 15, the object was discovered near the beach in Green Head in Western Australia (WA), about 250 kilometres north of Perth.