PhilSA warns of debris as China launches rocket anew

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Monday confirmed that China had launched a Long March 12 rocket, warning the public of debris projected to have fallen near Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

In an advisory, PhilSA said the Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:42 a.m. on November 10.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones, approximately 29 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 20 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park,” the agency said.

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

The agency disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

According to PhilSA, unburned debris from rockets, such as boosters and fairings, is designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

While these were not projected to fall on land or inhabited areas, falling debris still poses risks to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone.

PhilSA further warned that debris could float in 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 agency advised the public to report any suspected debris from the rocket launch to local authorities.

“PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming into close contact with these materials, which may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel,” it said.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that alleged rocket debris with Chinese markings was retrieved off the coast of Barangay Saoit, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan—MCG, GMA Integrated News