The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) reports that debris from a Chinese rocket launch that occurred recently may have fallen into the seas close to Ilocos Sur and Catanduanes. According to a PhilSA advisory released on Wednesday, the rocket debris most likely fell inside approved drop zones located around 78 nautical miles from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and 194 and 332 nautical miles from Panay Island, Catanduanes.
PhilSA highlighted the possible threats to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels traveling through the affected areas, even though the forecast debris pathways do not overlap with land or populated areas. The danger of debris moving towards neighboring shores was also mentioned by the agency.
In addition, PhilSA emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the rocket’s upper stages’ re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere after its space mission. In order to avoid any potential exposure to dangerous compounds such as rocket fuel remnants, PhilSA warned the public not to handle or approach the debris and encouraged them to report any suspicious sightings to local authorities.
China just launched the Queqiao-2 communications relay satellite to aid in the nation’s lunar research efforts. On Wednesday, the satellite-carrying Long March 8 rocket lifted off from the Wenchang launch site in Hainan.
