PhilSA issues advisory on debris from China rocket launch

Debris from a rocket launched by China is expected to have fallen in drop zones 123 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc and 55 nautical miles from Panay Island in Catanduanes, the Philippine Space Agency has said.

In an advisory, the PhilSA said China launched the Long March 5 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan at 5:27 p.m. on Friday.

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

"Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space," PhilSA said.

"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," it added.

PhilSA said there was also a chance 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," PhilSA said. 

PhilSA said it disseminated a report before the launch to relevant government agencies. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

It also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. —NB, GMA Integrated News