Debris from Chinese rocket may have fallen near Rozul Reef in WPS – PhilSA

MANILA, Philippines — Debris from a Chinese rocket launched early Thursday may have fallen near the Rozul Reef and Patag Island in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said.

The rocket, called Long March 3B/E, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China around 9:50 am, PhilSA said in a statement.

READ: China rocket launch debris may fall in PH waters – PhilSA

“The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 3B/E rocket of the People’s Republic of China,” it read.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 28 NM [nautical mile] away from Rozul Reef and 38 NM away from Patag Island,” it also noted.

PhilSA said details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen warning of “aerospace flight activity.”

It added a pre-launch report was disseminated to relevant government agencies prior to the launch.

According to PhilSA, unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

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

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

Debris may also float around the area and be washed 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,” PhilSA added.

It advised the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and to refrain from retrieving or coming into close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.