Iredell Sheriff Seeking ‘Future NASA Employee’ After Rocket Found

MOORESVILLE, NC — The owners of an errant rocket found in northern Iredell County have been found, according to Sheriff Darren Campbell. Earlier Tuesday, the sheriff’s office made an appeal on social media in hopes of reuniting the found rocket and the “Future NASA Employee” who built it after the homemade spacecraft was found on Hilltop Drive.

I guess you could say that when it comes to returning valuable property at the sheriff’s office, the sky’s the limit.

(Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

“The rocket is well built and had several items of unique 'Payload' in it,” ICSO said in a Facebook message. “We want to return it to the rightful owner so they can receive the 'out of this world grade' it deserves.”

Some community members, however, were dubious about the sheriff’s office search for the rocket’s owner.

“It’s a trap,” said Walter Sterling in a comment on Facebook. “Haha somebody about to go to jail,” said Paul Kingsley.

The owners are headed back to class, not jail, according to Campbell.

“The rocket owners have been located. The rocket which was launched yesterday as part of the Lenoir-Rhyne University, Calculus Based Physics Class Project, was claimed today by Austin Brodie and Madison Prkna,” he said Tuesday afternoon.

And just what was the cryptic “payload” included in the rocket named “The Maggie” that Campbell teased about earlier?

Turns out, it was an altimeter, a rocket motor, an “EGGstronaut” and a parachute.

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Photos courtesy of Iredell County Sheriff’s Office