Namibia - The 130lb orb is used to store hydrazine aboard the ISS where its inorganic compound liquids facilitate the flushing of the space station dumper.
Its mystery appearance in the desert 480 miles from the Namibian capital Windhoek has rattled NASA plumbers who reckon it's back to space diapers for the ISS crew until a replacement can be installed.
Local farmers said today a 200ft crater formed on impact appeared to be uncontaminated 'although ten goats, a camel and the Namibian Vice President's driver still appear to be in a state of shock'.
"Something similar once wiped out all the dinosaurs round here," a UN agribusiness source commented this morning.
A NASA recovery team will now launch legal proceedings for the ballcock's repatriation.
