PhilSA warns of China rocket debris near Puerto Princesa, Tubbataha

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Monday warned that debris from China’s latest launch of its Long March 12 rocket may have fallen within the country’s archipelagic waters.

In an advisory, PhilSA said the two possible drop zones are approximately 22 nautical miles (NM) away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 14 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 3:48 p.m. Monday.

“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are 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,” PhilSA said.

It added that the debris may possibly float around the drop zone 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 advisory said.

The agency reminded the public anew to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

“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. — JMA, GMA Integrated News