China launches rocket anew; PhilSA warns of possible debris landing near Palawan

• Estimated drop zone of the Long March 12 Launch (PhilSA)

By TechWatch PH Staff

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued an advisory following China’s latest rocket launch, warning of potential falling debris within Philippine waters near Palawan.

According to PhilSA, the Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, China, at around 10:42 a.m. (PhST) on November 10, 2025.

The agency confirmed that parts of the rocket — including boosters and fairings — were projected to have fallen within designated drop zones approximately 29 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 20 nautical miles from the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park.

While PhilSA clarified that the debris was not expected to fall on land or inhabited areas, it emphasized that unburned rocket parts still pose risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing vessels passing through the drop zones. The agency also cautioned that debris could float and potentially wash ashore in nearby coastal areas.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” PhilSA said, adding that the uncontrolled re-entry of upper rocket stages from outer space cannot yet be ruled out.

PhilSA advised the public to immediately inform local authorities if they spot suspected debris and avoid retrieving or touching such materials, which may contain remnants of toxic rocket fuel.

The advisory was issued after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and other agencies received a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding an “aerospace flight activity” from China.