MANILA — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warned public on Thursday that debris from the Chinese rocket Long March 7 may fall in some areas in the West Philippine Sea.
China launched the rocket on January 17 at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan.
“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 43 NM (DZ 1), 40 NM (DZ 2), and 52 NM (DZ 3) away from Bajo de Masinloc, and 98 NM (DZ 3) from Cabra Island,” it said in its advisory.
The agency said while the drop areas are not in inhabited areas, falling debris may pose a safety concern.
“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 continued.
“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” it added.
PhilSA also told people to inform authorities of sighted debris and warned not to go into close contact as these may have toxic chemicals.
“PhilSA reiterates its earlier advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. 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 concluded. (Adrian Parungao © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
