The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa) has warned the public to look out for the “expected unburned debris” from a Chinese rocket that was launched on Monday, Oct. 31.
In an advisory, PhilSa said the Chinese Long March 5B is carrying the Mengtian laboratory module for China’s Tiangong space station, a research facility being built in orbit.
“Anticipated to fall within these areas are the “expected unburned debris,” or parts of the rocket designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. These components get separated from the rocket minutes after the launch and are designed to shed over bodies of water to minimize the hazard of falling in populated areas,” it said.
According to PhilSa, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) notified that the rocket's booster stages are expected to fall approximately 72 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales.
The rocket fairing, on the other hand, is expected to fall approximately 39 kilometers from Busuanga, Palawan.
“While debris from Long March 5B is unlikely to fall on land features or inhabited areas in the Philippine territory, falling debris still poses a considerable risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zones,” it said.
Philsa noted that the mentioned drop zones may vary due to factors such as the earth’s rotation, weather, and climate conditions.
It also said that the debris may float around the area and wash toward the nearby coast.
“Furthermore, 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,” it added.
The agency reminded the public to inform the local authorities if suspected floating debris is seen at sea.
It also warned not to retrieve or come in close contact with the materials for it contains toxic substances.
