The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Thursday the launch of South Korea’s Nuri/Korea Space Launch Vehicle-IV (KSLV-IV) from the Republic of Korea.

According to PhilSA, the expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 390 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, 394 NM away from Babuyan Island, 218 NM away from Siargao, Surigao del Norte, 228 NM away from the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, and 232 NM away from Mercedes, Samar.

The KSLV-IV was launched from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla, at around 12:13 a.m. PhST on 27 November 2025.

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch advisory to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

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

Furthermore, there is a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. According to PhilSA, 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.

“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.

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming into close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.