PhilSA identifies China rocket debris possible drop zones

MANILA – The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Tuesday the launch of China's Long March 4B rocket and identified possible drop zones of debris.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said China launched the Long March 45 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan between 9:16 a.m. and 9:43 a.m. on Tuesday.

In an advisory, PhilSA said the debris could fall about 243 nautical miles (NM) away from Philippine Rise, located east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela, and 318 NM away from Panay Island, northwest of Catanduanes.

"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 advisory read.

PhilSA also said the debris could float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts.

The possibility of an uncontrolled reentry to the atmosphere of the rocket's upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time, PhilSA added.

The PhilSA urged the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

Further, the public is cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with rocket debris since it may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

In a memorandum, the NDRRMC advised the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Mapping and Resource Information Authority to consider temporary restrictions in the identified drop zones. (PNA)