The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed Tuesday the launch of China’s Long March 8A rocket, with debris from the booster expected to have landed in waters off Palawan and Basilan.
According to PhilSA, projected drop zones were identified about 130 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan; 55 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park; and 27 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
The rocket lifted off at 3:09 a.m. (Philippine Standard Time) from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been issued prior to the launch, warning of “aerospace flight activity” in affected areas.
PhilSA warned that unburned rocket parts, such as boosters and fairings, may pose risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing vessels that pass through the drop zone.
While debris was not projected to hit land or inhabited areas, it could still drift toward nearby coasts or, in the case of upper-stage components, re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in an uncontrollable manner.
“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.
The agency advised the public to immediately report any suspected debris sightings to local authorities and cautioned against retrieving or handling such objects, which may contain toxic residues like rocket fuel.
