Chinese rocket debris may have fallen near Basilan, Tubbataha, Palawan —PhilSA

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Tuesday warned that debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket launch may have fallen near the waters of Basilan, Tubbataha Reef, and Recto Bank near Palawan.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 130 [nautical miles] away from El Nido, Palawan, 55 NM away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, and 27 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan,” PhilSA said in its advisory. 

PhilSA confirmed that the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at 3:09 a.m. (Manila time).

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

Before the launch, PhilSA said its agency disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities. 

PhilSA said that the Chinese rocket debris are not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas. 

However, the agency said falling debris pose danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. 

The debris may also float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. 

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 reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted,” the agency said. 

“PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel,” it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News