PhilSA warns of rocket debris in Puerto Princesa waters after China launch

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Sunday warned the public of possible rocket debris falling in waters off Puerto Princesa City, Palawan after China launched its Long March 12 rocket.

In an advisory, PhilSA said the identified drop zone is approximately 25 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 19 nautical miles away from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which is within the Philippine archipelagic waters.

The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan around 12:10 p.m. Philippine time on Sunday.

“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.

“There is also a 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,” it added.

PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities of any sightings of suspected debris, as some materials may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

It also called for coordinated protocols and initiatives to protect space assets and people on the ground.

“As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground,” PhilSA said.

“The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground,” the agency added.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News