The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed the launch of a Chinese Long March 8A rocket on Tuesday afternoon, with debris from the mission projected to have fallen off the coast of Palawan and Zamboanga Peninsula.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PhilSA said the rocket lifted off from the Hainan Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, China, at approximately 3:49 p.m. Philippine Standard Time.
Rocket debris is believed to have fallen around 120 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, or a mere 42 nautical miles from Zamboanga City.
Aviators were issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) ahead of the launch, telling them to avoid the airspace where debris could fall.
PhilSA also coordinated with relevant government agencies to distribute a pre-launch advisory outlining the potential risks.
Rockets such as the Long March 8A typically discard components like boosters and fairings as they ascend.
While these are not expected to land on inhabited areas, PhilSA warned that debris may pose hazards to maritime and aviation traffic, as well as to coastal communities should fragments wash ashore.
“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 to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” the agency noted.
PhilSA urged the public to report any sighting of suspected debris to local authorities and emphasized remnants of rockets should not be touched or collected, as they may contain toxic substances, including rocket fuel residue.
The agency assured it will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with international counterparts to assess potential risks to Philippine territory and maritime zones.
