PhilSA confirms China rocket launch, warns of debris in Philippine EEZ

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed that China successfully launched a Long March 7A rocket on Wednesday evening, with debris expected to fall into designated drop zones within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Photo courtesy: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

The rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 7:50 p.m. Philippine Standard Time on July 29.

“PhilSA confirms the launch of the Long March 7A rocket from the People's Republic of China,” the agency said in an advisory.

PhilSA said the first projected debris drop zone is about 41 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and 64 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan.

The second projected drop zone is approximately 67 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan and 80 nautical miles from Camiguin Norte.

Both designated drop zones are located within the Philippine EEZ, according to the agency.

Photo courtesy: Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)

PhilSA said details of the launch area had been announced in advance through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an "aerospace flight activity."

The agency also distributed a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities before the rocket's liftoff.

PhilSA explained that discarded rocket components, including boosters and fairings, are designed to separate as the vehicle enters outer space.

Although the debris is not expected to fall on land or populated areas, it could pose risks to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the designated zones.

The agency also warned that some debris could remain afloat and eventually wash ashore along nearby coastlines.

PhilSA added that the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket's upper stages into the atmosphere cannot be ruled out.

As global rocket launches continue to increase, PhilSA said falling debris and uncontrolled re-entries present growing hazards to spacecraft, aviation, and communities on the ground.

The agency urged the public to immediately report any suspected rocket debris to local authorities.

PhilSA also advised residents not to approach, retrieve, or handle the debris because it may contain hazardous substances, including remnants of toxic rocket fuel.

— The Summit Express