PhilSA warns of debris from Chinese rocket launch in parts of West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Tuesday night warned of possible debris from China’s launch of the Long March 3B rocket falling in waters near Palawan and Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

In an advisory, PhilSA said the Long March 3B rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, at around 5:45 p.m. of June 16.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones (DZ): approximately 102 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 108 NM away from Quezon, Palawan, and 33 NM away from Rozul Reef,” it said, adding that the drop zones are within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

It said details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity” and that it released a pre-launch report to other government agencies.

PhilSA said unburned debris from rockets such as the booster and fairing are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space and that the debris is not expected to fall on land features or inhabited areas.

However, “falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone.”

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

“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.

The agency cautioned the public to be wary of the potential hazards of debris and uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages.

“PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public 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 said.

It added that the Philippines is inviting 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.” — JMA, GMA News