Chinese rocket debris expected to fall near Palawan, other PH areas

Debris from a Chinese Long March 8A rocket launch is expected to fall near Palawan and other areas in the Philippines, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned.

PhilSA confirmed the rocket launch from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center occurred around 3:52 p.m.

The projected drop zones for the rocket debris include areas approximately 120 nautical miles off El Nido, Palawan, and 140 nautical miles off Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Additional drop zones were identified near Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (48 NM), Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan (31 NM), and Pangutaran Island in Sulu (40 NM).

PhilSA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to warn about the aerospace flight activity and has informed relevant government agencies.

The agency stressed that falling rocket debris poses inherent risks to fishing communities, vessels, and the environment, and urged the public to report any suspected debris to local authorities and avoid touching it.

PhilSA warned of potential risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats passing through the drop zones, even though the debris is not expected to land on inhabited areas.