The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 7A rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, around 10:00 a.m. Philippine time.
PhilSA said debris from the rocket was projected to have fallen within designated drop zones at sea, including 58 nautical miles off Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 37 NM from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 92 NM from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan; and 79 NM from Santa Ana, Cagayan. The advisory was released through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) citing “aerospace flight activity.”
While unburned fragments such as boosters and fairings are designed to detach and fall away during launches, PhilSA noted that these can still pose hazards to ships, fishing vessels, and aircraft passing through the area.
There is also a chance that some debris may drift toward nearby coastlines or that upper-stage components could make an uncontrolled re-entry.
The agency urged the public to report any suspected debris sightings to local authorities and warned against collecting or handling rocket parts, which may contain harmful substances like residual rocket fuel.
