The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued a warning on Monday indicating that debris from China’s recent rocket launch may have landed within Philippine archipelagic waters.
The advisory follows the launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, which blasted off at 4:24 a.m. Monday, Manila time.
Drop zones were identified via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and include areas 25 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 19 nautical miles from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. PhilSA had previously circulated a pre-launch advisory to relevant government bodies.
While the agency confirmed that the fragments are not expected to impact any landmass or populated areas, it cautioned that the falling debris poses significant risks to maritime vessels, aircraft, and fishing boats operating near the drop zones. Furthermore, floating debris could eventually wash ashore.
PhilSA also warned that the rocket’s upper stages could undergo an uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry.
Addressing the broader implications of frequent space launches, PhilSA released the following statement:
“As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground,” PhilSA said.
“The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground,” it added.
The public is strongly advised to report any suspected debris to local authorities immediately. PhilSA cautioned against attempting to retrieve or approach the materials due to the potential presence of toxic remnants, such as rocket fuel.