PhilSA warns of debris after rocket launch from China

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned that rocket debris may have fallen in Philippine waters following the launch of the Long March 8A rocket from China.

In an advisory, the country's space agency said expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen in the following drop zones:

• approximately 162 nautical miles (NM) away from El Nido, Palawan
• 108 NM away from Rozul Reef within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone
• 32 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan,
• 44 NM away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu,
• 47 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

The Long March was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 11:25 PM PhST on 13 January 2026, PhilSA said.

It added details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”

PhilSA said it disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities before the launch.

"Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, is designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," PhilSA said.

"There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time," it added.

The space agency advised the public to inform local authorities of sightings of suspected debris.  It warned residents against retrieving or coming in close contact with the materials, which it said may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.—LDF, GMA Integrated News