PhilSA warns of debris from China rocket launch

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Monday warned the public in northern Luzon about possible debris from a rocket that China launched earlier today.

Debris from the Long March 7A rocket is expected to drop about 67 nautical miles (NM) away from Dalapuri Island, Cagayan, 44 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 75 NM away from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan, and 63 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, PhilSA said in a statement.

The Long March 7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 11:47 a.m. (Philippine time) today.

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

PhilSA also said it disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

It explained that the fallen debris poses a danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone, even though it is not projected to fall on land or inhabited areas.

This debris includes unburned ones like booster and fairing, which are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” PhilSA said.

“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.

It reminded the public anew to inform local authorities of any suspected debris and to be cautious when retrieving it, as it may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News