Chinese rocket debris may fall near Cagayan, Ilocos Norte —PhilSA

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned the public that debris from a Chinese rocket may drop in areas near Burgos, Ilocos Norte and Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

In an advisory on Tuesday, PhilSA said the debris from Long March 7A (CZ-7A) rocket is unlikely to fall on land, but warned that it poses a threat to seacraft and aircraft.

“While debris from CZ-7A is unlikely to fall on land features or inhabited areas in the Philippine territory, falling debris still poses a considerable threat to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zones,” it said.

“In July, the core stage debris of the Long March 5B rocket landed on Philippine waters in uncontrolled reentry. In the case of Long March 7A, the possibility of a similar uncontrolled reentry of the rocket’s upper stages cannot be ruled out at this time,” it added.

The agency said the CZ-7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, Hainan Island, at 9:19 p.m. (Philippine Time) on Tuesday.

PhilSA, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, verified the estimated drop zones of the rocket debris from the Notice to Airmen issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

The agency identified two drop zones within the Philippine territory: around 71 kilometers from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and around 52 kilometers from Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

According to PhilSA, this report with other actionable details were forwarded to all concerned government agencies before the launch.

“PhilSA wishes to reiterate its earlier advice to the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected floating debris is sighted at sea. PhilSA also cautions everyone against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials,” the agency said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News