Trailer Hauling NASA Telescope Found Near Dallas

HUTCHINS, Texas (AP) — A researcher says a truck trailer hauling a NASA-funded telescope from Minnesotato East Texas has been found near Dallas and the cargo apparently was undisturbed.

Authorities on Wednesday night discovered the trailer at a car wash near Hutchins. University of Minnesotaresearch associate Asad Aboobaker says the trailer's seal was not broken.

Hutchins police did not immediately return a message Thursday, but previously said the driver said the rig was stolen Monday from a Dallas motel.

The cargo was bound for the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility near Palestine, about 80 miles southeast of Dallas, but never arrived Monday. The equipment is meant for use in a science project in Antarctica.

Further details on the driver were not immediately available. A message left with Minneapolis-based Copeland Trucking was not immediately returned Thursday.

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