The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Tuesday confirmed the launch of the Long March 4B rocket from Beijing expected to reach east of the country.
The Space Agency said expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 243 NM away from Philippine Rise and 318 NM away from Panay Island, Catanduanes.
“The rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan around 09:20 AM PhST on 03 September 2024,” PhilSA said.
Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”
PhilSA has disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.
“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,” it added.
There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts, according to the agency.
PhilSA cannot rule out at this time the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space.
“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.”
