PhilSA confirms China’s Long March 12 rocket launch

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Saturday (Oct. 10) the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, warning of potential hazards from falling rocket debris in waters off Palawan.

PhilSA said the rocket was launched at 3:28 a.m. Saturday from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, China. Loud explosions were later heard across Palawan, believed to have been caused by the rocket’s sonic boom.

The agency projected that discarded rocket components, including boosters and fairings, would fall within a designated drop zone about 25 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City and 19 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

READ: PhilSa warns of Chinese rocket debris in PH waters

Although the debris was not expected to fall on land or inhabited areas, PhilSA warned that it could endanger ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels passing through the drop zone.

The agency also said the possibility of an uncontrolled atmospheric reentry of the rocket’s upper stages could not be ruled out. Debris could float beyond the designated drop zones and drift toward nearby coastlines, it added.

PhilSA urged the public to report suspected rocket debris to local authorities and avoid retrieving or approaching the materials, which could contain toxic substances, including remnants of rocket fuel.

“As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards — not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground,” PhilSA said in a statement.

“The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Command West (NCW) captured the rocket’s passage over Puerto Princesa City on video as part of its enhanced monitoring efforts.

READ: Fishing, sailing in Palawan waters banned on Oct 10 for next China rocket launch

At around 3:37 a.m., personnel in the city observed a bright red trail moving from the northwestern horizon toward the southeastern horizon, NCW said. The phenomenon remained visible for about 44 seconds before disappearing.

Personnel stationed at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park also observed a similar phenomenon around the same time, which the command said was believed to be associated with the rocket launch.

At 3:40 a.m., personnel heard two loud explosions followed by three lower-intensity blasts, which NCW also attributed to the rocket’s sonic boom.

The command reminded residents, particularly those engaged in fishing and other maritime activities, to report suspected rocket debris or unusual objects to the nearest authorities.

It also warned the public not to touch, approach or handle suspected debris because of possible safety and contamination risks.

“Proper coordination with concerned authorities is essential to ensure the safe assessment, handling, and recovery of such materials,” NCW said. /das