Debris warning up as China launches rocket

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency has issued a debris warning after China launched a rocket before dawn yesterday.

PhilSA said debris from the rocket may have fallen within identified drop zones near Palawan and Basilan.

The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at 3:09 a.m., the agency said in an advisory.

Based on projections, rocket debris might fall 130 nautical miles from El Nido in Palawan, 55 NM from the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park and 27 NM from Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan.

PhilSA said unburned rocket parts such as boosters and fairings are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

While debris was not expected to hit land or inhabited areas, it still poses danger to ships, fishing boats, aircraft and other vessels traveling along the drop zones.

The agency advised the public to immediately inform authorities once they spot suspected debris, and to refrain from touching any material as this may contain toxic elements like remnants of rocket fuel.