Warning on Chinese rocket debris out anew

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued another debris alert after China launched a rocket yesterday.

PhilSA said it has confirmed the launch of Long March 8 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan Island at 8:31 a.m.

“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 78 nautical miles from Vigan, Ilocos Sur... and 332 NM away from Panay Island,” PhilSA said.

Details of the rocket drop zone have been disclosed through a notice to airmen, warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”

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

”There is a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” it added.

 PhilSA reiterated its advice to the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

It warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.