Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 14) — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Tuesday warned of rocket debris estimated to fall within the country’s territory.
The debris from the Long March 7A (CZ-7A) rocket is expected to drop 71 kilometers from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and 52 km from Sta. Ana, Cagayan. The rocket was launched at 9:19 p.m. (PH time) from Wenchang Space Launch Center, Hainan Island, China.
“In prior coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, PhilSA was able to verify the estimated drop zones of the rocket debris from the Notice to Airmen issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China,” PhilSA said in an advisory.
“While debris from CZ-7A is unlikely to fall on land features or inhabited areas in the Philippine territory, falling debris still poses a considerable threat to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zones,” it added.
PhilSA also advised the public to inform authorities if suspected floating debris is sighted near the drop zones and cautioned against retrieving or coming in contact with the materials.
The agency issued a report to all concerned government agencies before the rocket was launched.
