The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has alerted the public about debris from China’s Long March 7A rocket launch early Sunday.
According to PhilSA, the rocket was launched at approximately 12:05 a.m. from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan, China. The debris was expected to fall within designated drop zones near Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Camiguin Norte, Cagayan; and Santa Ana, Cagayan.
“Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an ‘aerospace flight activity,’” PhilSA said, adding that it sent reports to government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.
“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.”
PhilSA urged the public to inform local authorities if they see suspected rocket debris.
It also warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
Last month, the Office of Civil Defense also issued a warning from the same rocket launch from China.