The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Friday issued an advisory warning the public about potential rocket debris that may have fallen in waters off northern Luzon following China’s recent Long March 5 rocket launch.
According to PhilSA, the People’s Republic of China launched the Long March 5 rocket at 10:31 p.m. Thursday from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan province.
Based on projections, fragments from the rocket, including booster and fairing components, may have landed within designated “drop zones” in the West Philippine Sea.
The projected drop zones are located approximately 93 nautical miles (NM) from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 69 NM from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 130 NM from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan; and 116 NM from Santa Ana, Cagayan.
PhilSA emphasized that while the debris is not expected to fall on land or populated areas, it could still pose a hazard to ships, fishing vessels, and aircraft operating near the projected drop sites.
“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” the agency warned.
“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 agency urged the public to report any sighting of suspected debris to local authorities and refrain from handling or approaching the materials, as they may contain toxic remnants of rocket fuel or other hazardous substances.
Unburned components like boosters and fairings are typically jettisoned as rockets ascend into space, PhilSA explained. However, uncontrolled debris re-entries from China’s space missions have previously raised concerns over environmental and safety risks in the region.