By Brian Campued
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Tuesday advised the public to look out for unburned debris following the launch of China’s Long March 3B rocket.
In an advisory, PhilSA said the expected debris from the rocket launch was predicted “to have fallen within the identified drop zones,” approximately 112 nautical miles from Rozul Reef and 151 NM away from Busuanga, Palawan.
“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 state space agency said.
“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” it added.
Remains from rockets are designed to be jettisoned or discarded as the vehicles leave the Earth’s atmosphere. Additionally, its upper stages may also return from outer space through uncontrolled re-entry.
The PhilSA urged the public to inform local authorities when they encounter suspected debris and likewise warned against “retrieving or coming in close contact” with such materials as it may still be toxic.
The Long March rocket was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China around 1:55 p.m.
Meanwhile, PhilSA said it has released a pre-launch report to relevant authorities following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning regarding an “aerospace flight activity” that was disclosed to the agency along with the details of the rocket drop zone.
Another Chinese rocket, a Long March 12, was also launched on Saturday (Nov. 30).
-iro