PhilSA cautions public anew over possible rocket debris after Long March 12 launch

• Photo from PhilSA

By TechWatch PH Staff

Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Monday confirmed the launch of the Long March 12 rocket by the People’s Republic of China, cautioning the public and maritime operators about potential debris falling within Philippine archipelagic waters.

In an advisory issued on January 19, PhilSA said the rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 3:48 p.m. 

Philippine Standard Time. Based on projections, debris from the launch was expected to fall within identified drop zones located about 22 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and approximately 14 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

PhilSA noted that the drop zone lies within Philippine archipelagic waters and was disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that warned of an “aerospace flight activity.” 

Ahead of the launch, the agency said it had already disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities.

The agency explained that unburned rocket debris—such as boosters and fairings—is designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. 

“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. 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,” PhilSA said.

“PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel,” it added.