Chinese rocket debris may have fallen in PH waters —PhilSA

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Friday warned that debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket launch may have fallen in Philippine archipelagic waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In an advisory, PhilSA said Chinese rocket debris was projected to have fallen in the following areas:

First drop zone within Philippine EEZ

• 162 NM away from El Nido, Palawan, 
• 185 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• 101 NM away from Patag Island 

Second drop zone within Philippine archipelagic waters

• 32 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, 
• 44 NM away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu
• 47 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

According to PhilSA, the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at around 3:49 a.m. on Friday (Manila time).

The information on the rocket’s drop zone was released via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to alert aircraft operators about the “aerospace flight activity.

'Bright red-orange light'

In an update, the Western Naval Command said that a suspected Long March 8A rocket was observed traversing Palawan airspace between 3:58 a.m. and 4:02 a.m.

The event was captured on video by security personnel deployed in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), West Philippine Sea, and Tubbataha Reef Ranger Station. 

"The video shows two bright red-orange lights moving from northwest to southeast. This phenomenon lasted approximately 15 seconds before vanishing from sight. Additionally, personnel from Tubbataha Reef Ranger Station observed a bright red-orange light at 4:02 a.m., which illuminated the sky for six seconds," the WNC said in a press statement.

"As of 12 [p.m.] today, there have been no reports of injuries, property damage, or debris impact on any landmass."

Prior to China's rocket launch, PhilSA circulated a pre-launch advisory to concerned government bodies and officials.

According to PhilSA, the fragments from the Chinese rocket are not expected to hit any landmass or populated locations.

However, PhilSA warned that the falling debris could endanger ships, planes, fishing vessels, and other craft that will traverse the drop zone.

Some debris may float around the area and be washed toward nearby shorelines, the agency added.

An uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages into the atmosphere from outer space is possible, according to PhilSA.

“PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted,” the agency said.

“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. —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News