PCG warns of debris from China rocket launch, urges public caution

MANILA, Philippines — The People’s Republic of China launched Long March 4B on Tuesday morning, said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), warning the public of the rocket’s fallen debris.

In a statement, the PCG said it released a notice to all mariners (NOTAM) pursuant to a memorandum issued by the  Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Monday.

Based on the PhilSa memorandum, China launched the rocket from the Xichang Satelite Launch Center at Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan between 9:16 to 9:43 a.m.

“Accordingly, the debris of the above-mentioned rocket are expected to drop within the identified drop zones, which are approximately 243 nautical miles away from Philippine Rise and 318 nautical miles away from Panay Island, Catanduanes,” the PCG said on the NOTAM.

“All ships transiting on the above-mentioned areas on the said dates are advised to take note of the information and take precautionary measures at all times,” it added.

In a separate statement, PhilSA explained that unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, “are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.”

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris pose danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” the agency said.

“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,” it added.

PhilSA urged the public to inform authorities if they find debris within their areas. It also cautioned locals against “retrieving or coming in close contact” with these materials possibly containing remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

READ: China’s rocket launch’ debris may drop in Ilocos Sur, Panay Island waters