PhilSA confirms debris off Mamburao from China’s Long March 5B rocket

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday confirmed that the large metal pieces emblazoned with the Chinese flag and other markings retrieved from the waters off Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro are indeed debris from China’s Long March 5B (CZ-5B) rocket.

A visual verification on the recovered metal sheets affirmed they were remnants of the Chinese rocket booster, PhilSA said. It clarified, however, that they were not components that re-entered the atmosphere on Sunday, July 31.

“The debris retrieved by PCG Mamburao was identified to be part of the CZ-5B's payload fairing, which detaches from the rocket as it enters outer space during launch,” the space agency said in a statement.

“These discarded rocket stages are usually designed and planned to shed over specific drop zones. The drop zones are usually bodies of water and are selected to minimize the hazards of falling onto populated areas,” it said.

On Tuesday, members of the Philippine Coast Guard- Mamburao recovered torn metal sheets in the area after they were discovered and reported by the local fishermen. 

PhilSA said it had issued an advisory to all relevant government agencies on the estimated dropout locations of the rocket debris prior to its launch on July 24.

Likewise, the space agency mobilized a team and prepared to implement coordination protocols with other government offices for the issuance of actionable information as necessary during the rocket’s re-entry into the atmosphere over the weekend.

“PhilSA reiterates its earlier advice to the public to immediately inform local authorities of suspected debris sighted at sea or land,” it said. “PhilSA cautions everyone against retrieving or coming in close proximity to these materials, since fallen rocket debris may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.”

The space agency said it will continue to coordinate with related government agencies and partners to ensure the proper handling of the retrieved debris. — BM, GMA News