Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa) on Monday cautioned the public against unburned rocket debris which is projected to fall in the northern part of the country after the launch of China’s Long March 7A.
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In an advisory, PhilSa said the Chinese rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Island at 6 a.m., Philippine time.
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The agency warned that unburned debris from the rocket is projected to fall in two drop zones. The first drop zone area is approximately 79 kilometers (kms) from Burgos in Ilocos Norte and 121 kms from Dalupiri Island in the Babuyan Islands.
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Meanwhile, it said the second drop zone area is about 41 kms from Sta. Ana in Cagayan, 41 kms from Camiguin Island in the Babuyan Islands, and 47 kms from Babuyan Island.
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“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” PhilSa said.
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It added that the debris may float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts.
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“Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” the advisory read.
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The agency called on the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. It also warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances, such as rocket fuel.
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