PhilSA warns of falling Chinese rocket debris in PH waters

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a warning regarding potential debris from China's Long March 5 rocket launch that may have fallen within Philippine waters.

PhilSA estimated the debris drop zone to be 69 nautical miles away from Burgos in Ilocos Norte, 94 NM from Dalupiri Island in Cagayan, 117 NM from Santa Ana in Cagayan and 130 NM from Camiguin Norte.

These areas fall within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Long March 5 rocket was launched from China's Wenchang Space Launch Site on Saturday evening.

PhilSA advised people against retrieving or coming in close contact with debris as these may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

While the debris is not expected to land on inhabited areas, PhilSA cautioned about the danger it poses to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats operating in the drop zone.