PhilSA warns of falling debris in Northern Luzon areas after China rocket launch

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Thursday warned the public of possible rocket debris falling in some areas in Northern Luzon following the launch of China’s Long March 5 rocket.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones (DZ): DZ 1 is approximately 69 NM away from Burgos, llocos Norte, and 94 NM away from Dalupiri Island Cagayan; while DZ 2 is 1 19 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 133 NM away from Camiguin Norte. Both drop zones are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone,” PhilSA said.

In a statement, PhilSa said the rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 3:31 p.m. of Thursday, June 11.

Although rocket debris are not expected to fall on land or inhabited areas, it may pose a danger to vessels, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that may pass through the drop zone.

“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,” 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,” it added.

It advised the public to inform local authorities of any sightings of suspected debris, as some materials may contain remnants of toxic substance such as rocket fuel. — JMA, GMA News