PhilSA warns of likely debris near Luzon after China's rocket launch

MANILA, Philippines — Possible debris may fall near four Luzon provinces after China launched a Long March 7A rocket into space on the morning of December 31, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said.

In a Wednesday advisory, PhilSA confirmed that the rocket was launched at around 6:40 a.m. from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan.

When a rocket takes off, debris is expected to reenter the earth’s atmosphere, potentially affecting ships, aircraft, and fishing boats within the drop zone.

The debris was projected to fall near the following locations within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

• 45 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte,
• 67 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan,
• 64 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and
• 76 nautical miles from Camiguin Norte.

No land impact expected, but risks remain at sea

The local space agency said no land or inhabited areas among the Philippine provinces are expected to take a direct hit. However, some debris may also drift toward nearby coastal areas or continue floating in surrounding waters.

Before issuing the advisory, PhilSA said a Notice to Airmen had been shared to warn of an "aerospace flight activity" and to inform the country of the rocket drop zones. The report was then disseminated to relevant government agencies before the launch.

"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," the agency added. 

PhilSA urged residents to report any suspected debris to local authorities but warned against retrieving or approaching the materials, which may be toxic due to residual rocket fuel. 

The Philippine Navy has recovered rocket debris off the coast of Palawan from Long March 8A launches in October and one near Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in August. PhilSA also confirmed four other rocket launches in December, which were projected to result in debris affecting the Philippines.

China has been launching carrier rockets like the Long March 7A over the past year to place communications satellites into orbit for telecommunications, data transmission, and radio and television signal relay services.