The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Friday confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 3B rocket and warned that debris from the mission may have fallen within drop zones near Palawan waters.
PhilSA said projected debris may have landed about 102 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 108 nautical miles from Quezon, following the rocket’s launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on November 21.
The agency said the drop-zone coordinates were included in a Notice to Airmen issued ahead of the launch and circulated a pre-launch advisory to concerned agencies.
It noted that falling rocket components, such as boosters and fairings, pose risks to ships, fishing vessels, and aircraft passing through the area.
PhilSA urged the public to report any debris sightings and warned against retrieving or handling possible rocket parts, which may contain hazardous materials.
