Debris from 2 Chinese rockets may have fallen in PH waters – PhilSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) announced that debris from two Chinese rockets may have fallen in the country’s waters in the West Philippine Sea.

Debris like the booster and fairing were designed to be left behind by the rocket in its ascent to outer space, according to PhilSA.

The local space agency also warned that falling debris poses risks to vessels in the projected drop zone.

Drop zone of the Long March 3B rocket launch (Photo from the Philippine Space Agency)

The Long March 3B rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China at 1:55 p.m. on Dec. 3 (Philippine time), PhilSA said on Tuesday.

It added that debris from the Long March 3B rocket launch fell within an area 112 nautical miles (NM), or 207 kilometers (kms), from Rozul Reef or 151 NM (280 kms) from Busuanga, Palawan.

Drop zone of the Long March 12 rocket launch (Photo from the Philippine Space Agency)

Last Sunday, PhilSA announced that the Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Hainan, China at 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 (Philippine time).

Debris from the Long March 12 rocket launch was said to have fallen in a zone also in the Recto Bank, 28 NM (52 kms) or 108 NM (200 kms) from Quezon, Palawan.

PhilSA said debris may float in the waters around the area and wash up ashore in nearby coasts.

It advised the public to inform local authorities of the presence of debris.

The space agency also cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with debris, saying the materials may contain toxic substances like rocket fuel.

Additionally, PhilSA disclosed that the advisory was given in notices to airmen for aircraft pilots as well as a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies before the rocket launch.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that both rockets launched experimental satellites.

It added that the launches of Long March 12 and Long March 3B were the 548th and 549th flight missions of the rocket series, respectively.