Watch out for debris from China rocket launch – PhilSA

(Image courtesy of PhilSA)

It identified projected drop zones in maritime areas roughly 58 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island Cagayan, 92 nautical miles from Camiguin Norte, and 79 nautical miles from Santa Ana which are all in Cagayan province, and 37 nautical miles from Burgos in Ilocos Norte.

The advisory stemmed from a Notice to Airmen alerting authorities of “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA had circulated prelaunch reports to relevant government agencies in advance.

While the debris was not expected to hit land, the agency cautioned that unburned rocket components, such as boosters and fairings, could endanger ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels in the area.

PhilSA further warned that the remnants may contain toxic residues from rocket fuel and urged the public to avoid contact and report any suspected debris to local authorities.

On July 15, China launched a Long March 7 rocket from the same site. PhilSA issued a similar alert after determining that debris likely fell near Bajo de Masinloc, Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, Recto Bank, and Busuanga in Palawan.

A Long March 12 rocket was launched by China on Aug. 4. Loud explosions were heard by residents of Puerto Princesa and other coastal areas in Palawan.

PhilSA also confirmed that during the launch, debris may have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 21 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan and 18 nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park. /gsg