The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 8A rocket on Thursday morning, with expected debris projected to have fallen within drop zones off the western and southern parts of the Philippines.
In a statement, the PhilSA said debris was expected to fall approximately 118 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan; 137 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; 45 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park; and 34 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
The rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 9:33 a.m. Philippine Standard Time.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued ahead of the launch, warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA said it had shared a pre-launch report with relevant government agencies to ensure coordination and monitoring.
“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 danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels,” the agency said.
PhilSA urged the public to report any sighting of suspected debris to local authorities and to avoid retrieving or touching such materials, as they may contain toxic remnants of rocket fuel.
