The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa) has cautioned the public on expected unburned debris from another Chinese rocket that may fall into two areas in the country.
In an advisory, the PhilSa said the debris of China’s Long March 7A rocket is projected to land in drop zone area 1 which is 79.877 kilometers from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 121.306 kilometers from Dalupiri Island in the Babuyan Islands.
It added that the debris may also fall in drop zone area 2 which is 41.686 kilometers from Sta. Ana, Cagayan, 41.37 kilometers from Camiguin Island in the Babuyan Islands, and 47.844 kilometers from Babuyan Island.
According to PhilSa, the rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Island, China, on Monday at 06:00 am Philippine Time.
“Prior to the launch, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warnings “due to an aerospace flight activity”, it said.
While the debris may not land inland areas, the agency said the falling debris still poses “danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone.”
The agency reminded the public to immediately report if suspected floating debris is seen at sea, and it warned not to retrieve or come in close contact with the materials as it contains remnants of toxic substances.
On December 29, the PhilSa first warned that unburned debris from China's Long March 3B rocket may fall within the vicinity of Recto bank located in the West Philippine Sea.
