THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday said rocket debris may have fallen in Philippine waters following the launch of China’s Long March 8A rocket.
In an advisory, PhilSA said the projected drop zones of the rocket parts were several areas including about 162 nautical miles (NM) off El Nido, Palawan; 108 NM from Rozul Reef in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone; 32 NM off Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan; 44 NM from Pangutaran Island, Sulu; and 47 NM from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
PhilSA said the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 11:25 p.m. Philippine Standard Time on Jan. 13.
Details of the rocket drop zones were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”
PhilSA said it disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities before the launch.
“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, is 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 that will pass through the drop zone,” the agency said.
“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,” it added.
PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities of sightings of suspected rocket parts.
It also warned residents against retrieving or getting close the materials, which it said may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
