Rocket debris warning issued anew

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a debris warning after China launched another rocket, the first for this year.

PhilSA confirmed the launch of a Long March 8A rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at 11:25 p.m. on Monday.

Pieces of debris from the rocket were projected to have fallen in the waters off El Nido and Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Rozul Reef, which are within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Rocket debris may also fall in the waters off Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan, Pangutaran Island in Sulu and in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The space agency said that details about the rocket drop zones were contained in a notice to airmen, warning of an aerospace flight activity.

PhilSA said it also disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the rocket launch.

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

While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, rocket debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels passing through the drop zone.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and be washed ashore,” PhilSA said, noting that residents must report to authorities any sighting of suspected rocket debris.