CAAP, PhilSA issue notices of possible China rocket debris

MANILA, Philippines — Two government agencies warned pilots and seafarers about possible debris from a rocket launch by China that could “pose a danger to aircraft and seacraft” around Bajo de Masinloc.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said yesterday it issued three separate notices to airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday night.

In an advisory, the CAAP said China’s Long March 7 rocket was launched at 9:22 p.m. (Philippine time) on Wednesday from Wenchang.

The three NOTAM were from 9:14 p.m. to 9:52 p.m., 9:15 p.m. to 9:56 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. to 10:02 p.m. advising the closure of several area navigation routes for possible debris drops from the rocket launch.

The NOTAM’s area of concern included drop zones approximately 65 to 79 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, identified in coordination with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

“Though the debris from the rocket launch will unlikely fall on inhabited land, it may still pose a danger to aircraft and seacraft,” CAAP said.

PhilSA said discarded debris may float around three identified drop zone areas or wash ashore to nearby coasts.

PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities should they spot possible rocket debris, which may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel, and avoid retrieving it.

The agency said it was able to issue warnings and temporary restrictions to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels passing through the drop zone areas.