PhilSA warns public over possible debris from China’s Long March 5 rocket launch

• Photo courtesy of PhilSA

By TechWatch PH Staff

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has cautioned the public about possible falling debris following the launch of China’s Long March 5 rocket on Thursday night, October 23.

PhilSA confirmed that debris from the rocket may have fallen within maritime zones in northern Luzon. “Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 93 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 69 NM from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 130 NM from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan; and 116 NM from Santa Ana, Cagayan,” the agency said.

The Long March 5 rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China, at around 10:31 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time) on October 23. Details of the potential drop zones were earlier disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advising of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA also issued a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and local authorities.

“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 or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that may pass through the drop zone,” PhilSA explained.

The agency added that some debris could remain afloat and drift toward nearby coasts. It also noted that the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.

PhilSA reminded the public to immediately report any sighted debris to local authorities and warned against retrieving or approaching such objects, which may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

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