The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Sunday morning the launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the People’s Republic of China.
In an advisory, the space agency stated that it expected debris from the rocket launch to have fallen within identified drop zones, approximately 28 nautical miles from Rozul Reef and 108 nautical miles from Quezon, Palawan.
The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:25 PM Philippine Standard Time on November 30, 2024.
Details regarding the rocket’s drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which warned of “aerospace flight activity.”
PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.
“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 a danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” the advisory stated.
PhilSA also indicated that there is a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts.
Additionally, the agency noted that the possibility of uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.
“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.”