PhilSA warns of debris after Long March rocket launch from China

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned against expected debris following the launch of a Long March 7A rocket from the People's Republic of China. 

''Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones: approximately 45 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 67 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; and 64 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 76 NM away from Camiguin Norte,'' the PhilSA said in its advisory. 

It noted that both drop zones are within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to PhilSA, the rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 6:40 a.m. on December 31, 2025.

The PhilSA said that unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, were designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. 

''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 said.

It also warned of the possibility 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,'' the PhilSA said. 

The agency advised the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris were sighted. Further, it warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

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

The PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch. —KG, GMA Integrated News