Core Points - NASA's scientific balloon facility launched a large research device that unexpectedly landed in Texas, causing local residents to witness the event firsthand [2][3] - The device, which is the size of a sports utility vehicle, was equipped with a telescope to collect data on stars, galaxies, and black holes [3][4] - The incident occurred during a government shutdown, which affected communication with NASA officials [2] Summary by Sections - **Incident Description** - A large square research device, approximately the size of a sports utility vehicle, was seen descending with a giant parachute in Texas [2] - The parachute had a diameter of at least 30 feet (about 9.1 meters) [2] - **NASA's Involvement** - The device was launched from Sumner, New Mexico, about 140 miles (approximately 225 kilometers) from where it landed [2] - NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility is responsible for launching these high-altitude balloons for scientific experiments [2][3] - **Local Reaction** - Local resident Ann Walter expressed her astonishment at witnessing the event and described it as a surreal experience [5] - The device was eventually recovered by researchers using trucks and trailers [4]