PhilSA warns of debris from China rocket launch

October 24 ------ The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned the public of debris from China’s launch of its Long March 5 rocket that may have fallen in waters off Cagayan and Ilocos Norte.

In an advisory, the PhilSA confirmed that the People’s Republic of China launched its Long March 5 rocket at 10:31 p.m. Thursday from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan. “Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 93 NM away from Dalapuri Island, Cagayan, 69 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 130 NM away from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan, and 116 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan,” the government agency said.

The government agency advised the public to inform local authorities if they see or come across suspected debris. “PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel,” it added.

Unburned debris from the rocket, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space, the PhilSA said. It added that although the debris is not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, it might pose a danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone. “There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” PhilSA said. 

Source: gmanetwork.com