PhilSA confirms Long March 3B rocket launch, warns of potential debris risks near Palawan

• Estimated drop zone of the Long March 3B Launch (PhilSA)

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 3B rocket on Friday evening, issuing a public advisory after projected debris zones were identified just off Palawan.

The rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan at around 6:55 PM PhST on 21 November 2025.

Based on the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) released ahead of the launch, fragments from the rocket’s discarded stages were expected to fall within pre-identified drop zones—approximately 102 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 108 nautical miles from Quezon, Palawan.

PhilSA said it had circulated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies, noting that while the debris was not projected to land on inhabited areas, it still poses risks to aircraft, ships, and fishing vessels passing through the area.

As with many orbital launches, portions of the rocket—including boosters and fairings—are designed to fall back to Earth after separation.

PhilSA emphasized that unburned debris may float and drift, potentially reaching nearby coasts. It also noted that the rocket’s upper stages could re-enter the atmosphere in an uncontrolled manner, which cannot be ruled out at this time.

The agency is urging the public to report any suspected debris to local authorities and warned against touching or retrieving such objects, as they may contain toxic remnants from rocket fuel.