Palawan waters on rocket debris watch

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned of possible rocket debris falling within Philippine waters following China’s launch of a Long March 12 rocket early Monday, with the projected drop zone located about 25 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 19 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

China launched the rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 4:24 a.m. Philippine time on 9 November.

PhilSA said the identified drop zone lies within Philippine archipelagic waters.

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

PhilSA said it had issued a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities ahead of the launch.

The agency advised the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected rocket debris is sighted.

It also cautioned against retrieving or approaching the debris, which may contain toxic substances, including remnants of rocket fuel.