China rocket launch prompts debris watch near Palawan

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket on Monday, with expected debris projected to fall within an identified drop zone (DZ) approximately 25 nautical miles (NM) from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 19 NM from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) launched the Long March 12 rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 4:24 a.m. Philippine Standard Time on 9 November.

PhilSA said the drop zone is within Philippine archipelagic waters, where debris from the Chinese rocket could potentially fall.

“Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an ‘aerospace flight activity,’” PhilSA said in its advisory.

The country's space agency, meanwhile, reported dissemination of pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities ahead of the rocket launch.

PhilSA reiterated its advice to the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected rocket debris is sighted. The agency also cautioned the public against retrieving or approaching suspected debris, as the materials may contain remnants of toxic substances, including rocket fuel.