PhilSA warns of falling debris from Chinese rocket launch

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Saturday cautioned coastal communities and mariners in western and southern Philippine waters about possible falling debris from China’s latest rocket launch.

PhilSA confirmed that China fired a Long March 8A rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang at around 3:52 p.m., an activity earlier announced through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) identifying an “aerospace flight activity” affecting Philippine airspace and sea lanes.

Based on projected drop zones, fragments from the launch were expected to have fallen at several points near the country’s maritime domain:

• about 120 nautical miles off El Nido, Palawan
• 140 NM off Puerto Princesa
• 48 NM from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
• 31 NM off Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan; and
• 40 NM near Pangutaran Island in Sulu.

PhilSA stressed that falling rocket debris and uncontrolled re-entry events pose inherent risks to fishing communities, vessels, and the environment.

The agency urged the public to immediately report any suspected debris to local authorities and avoid retrieving or touching any material, which may still contain hazardous substances, including traces of rocket fuel.

“PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials,” it said.—MCG, GMA Integrated News