PhilSA: Rocket debris from China's Yinli-1 (Y4) launch may have fallen off Babuyan, Santa Ana, Cagayan

China launched its Yinli-1 (Y4) rocket on Wednesday morning, with debris possibly falling into waters off Northern Luzon, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said.

PhilSA said the Yinli-1 (Y4) rocket lifted off from the East China Sea Launch Area in the waters east of Shanghai at 10:54 a.m., the same time in both China and the Philippines.

The agency said the rocket's expected debris was projected to fall within designated drop zones approximately 115 nautical miles from Babuyan Island and 129 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan. Both drop zones are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. 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 in a statement.

"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 into the atmosphere of the rocket's upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time," it added.

PhilSA reiterated its advice for the public to immediately report any suspected rocket debris to local authorities. The agency also warned against retrieving or approaching the debris, as it may contain hazardous materials, including remnants of toxic rocket fuel. —VBL, GMA News