Warning out on Chinese rocket debris

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has again issued an advisory on the possibility of rocket debris falling over territorial waters off Santa Ana town in Cagayan after the latest rocket launch by China.

PhilSA confirmed China’s launch of its Long March 7A rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Saturday night.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 75 NM (nautical miles) away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 126 NM away from Sta. Ana, Cagayan,” PhilSA said.

According to PhilSA, a pre-launch report was disseminated to relevant government agencies and authorities. It also said that the unburned parts, like the booster and faring, are expected to fall as debris as the rocket enters outer space.

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen warning of an “aerospace flight activity,” it added.

“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,” PhilSA 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 also said.

PhilSA reiterated its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is seen and cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials which may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.