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PhilSA issues advisory on Long March 5 rocket launch; debris projected within PH EEZ
- PhilSA
By TechWatch PH Staff
The Philippine Space Agency on Saturday, December 20, confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 5 rocket and warned of possible falling debris within identified drop zones inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In an advisory, PhilSA said the rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan at around 8:30 p.m. (PhST). Projected debris drop zones were estimated at approximately 69 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 94 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 117 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan; and 130 nautical miles from Camiguin Norte.
PhilSA said details of the drop zones were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity,” and that a pre-launch report was disseminated to relevant government agencies and authorities ahead of the launch.
The agency noted that unburned debris from rockets—such as boosters and fairings—are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While these are not projected to fall on land or inhabited areas, PhilSA warned that falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zones. There is also a possibility that debris may float and wash toward nearby coasts.
PhilSA added that the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.
The agency reiterated its advice for the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted, and cautioned against retrieving or coming into close contact with any materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances, including rocket fuel.