MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency has warned areas in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and Cagayan natives of fallen debris from the recent Long March 7A rocket launch by China.
In its advisory, PhilSA confirmed that the People’s Republic of China has launched its Long March 7A from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan around 8:25 PM (Philippine time) on Thursday.
It said that expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 38 nautical miles away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 66 nautical miles away from Sta Ana, Cagayan.
Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA has disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch, it said.
According to PhilSA, parts of rockets like boosters and fairings are meant to be discarded as the rocket travels into outer space.
“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,” it said.
According to PhilSA, debris might float around and wash up on nearby shores, and there is also a chance that the rocket’s upper stages could re-enter the atmosphere uncontrollably.
The space agency also advised the public to report any suspected debris to local authorities and warned against approaching or touching it, as it could contain harmful substances like rocket fuel.
