Debris warning up as China launches rocket anew

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) yesterday issued a rocket debris advisory following the launch of a rocket by China, the second in less than a month.

The space agency confirmed that a Long March 3B/E rocket was launched at 9:15 a.m. yesterday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture.

The last time China launched a Long March 4B rocket was on Sept. 3.

“Expected debris from the rocket was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones, approximately 55 nautical miles away from Patag Island and 68 NM away from Rozul Reef,” the PhilSA said.

The agency said it issued a notice to airmen detailing the rocket drop zone and disseminated a pre-launch report to concerned government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Authorities said unburned debris from rockets such as the booster and faring are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

While the debris was not projected to hit the ground or inhabited areas, it poses danger and risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels that pass through the drop zone.

“There is also the possibility for the debris to float around the area or be washed ashore as well as of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space,” the PhilSA said.

The public has been advised to report to authorities any sighting of rocket debris.

People were told not to touch, retrieve or come in close contact with these materials as these may contain remnants of toxic substances like rocket fuel.

Before the launch of the Long March 4B rocket on Sept. 3, China conducted similar activities involving the Long March 7A rocket on Aug. 22 and June 29.