Debris from China’s rocket launch may drop in Ilocos Sur, Panay Island waters

(Photo from PhilSA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said on Wednesday that debris from a rocket launched by China may float on waters in the territory of the country.

In its advisory, the PhilSA said that the rocket named Long March 8 was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, Hainan, China, around 8:31 am, Philippine time.

READ: PhilSA advisory: Debris from Chinese rocket may fall in PH territory

“The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 8 rocket of the People’s Republic of China,” PhilSA said.

Debris from the rocket launch may drop in the waters near Ilocos Sur and Panay island.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 78 [nautical miles] from Vigan, Ilocos Sur (DZ A1), 194 [nautical miles] (DZ A2) and 332 [nautical miles] (DZ A3) away from Panay Island,” it added.

The agency likewise said that it has released a pre-launch report to other government agencies and that it also advised airmen of the event.

The PhilSA also cautioned against interacting with the debris if they are sighted, as they can contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

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“PhilSA reiterates its earlier 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 said.