PhilSA issues advisory on China’s Long March 8A rocket launch, flags potential debris risk

• This image is an AI-generated illustration created for visual context only. It does not depict the actual Long March 8A rocket launch, its exact location, timing, or real-world conditions. The image should not be treated as factual documentation of the event.

By TechWatch PH Staff

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 8A rocket and warned of possible risks from falling rocket debris within parts of Philippine waters and airspace.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, PhilSA said the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 11:25 p.m. Philippine time on January 13.

According to PhilSA, projected drop zones for debris from the launch were identified within areas of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Philippine archipelagic waters. 

These include areas approximately 162 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan; 185 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and 108 nautical miles from Rozul Reef within the EEZ. 

Other projected zones were located about 32 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan; 44 nautical miles from Pangutaran Island, Sulu; and 47 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

PhilSA said the rocket was launched by the People’s Republic of China, with details of the debris drop zones disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that warned of an “aerospace flight activity.” The agency added that a pre-launch report was disseminated to relevant government agencies and authorities ahead of the event.

While unburned rocket components such as boosters and fairings are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space and are not projected to fall on land or inhabited areas, PhilSA cautioned that falling debris still poses risks. 

These include potential danger to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the identified zones.

The agency also noted that debris may float and potentially drift toward nearby coastlines. In addition, PhilSA said the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.

PhilSA reiterated its advice to the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected rocket debris is sighted. It also warned against retrieving or approaching such materials, which may contain remnants of toxic substances, including rocket fuel.