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Advocates Philippines
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Issues Debris Warning Following Chinese Rocket Launch
Photo credit: Philippine Space Agency
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed the launch of the Long March 8 rocket by the People’s Republic of China, raising concerns over potential debris falling within identified drop zones near Philippine territories.
Launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, China, the Long March 8 rocket took off at approximately 8:31 AM PhST on March 20, 2024. The rocket's trajectory places the anticipated debris zones approximately 78 nautical miles from Vigan, Ilocos Sur (DZ A1), 194 nautical miles (DZ A2) away, and 332 nautical miles (DZ A3) from Panay Island.
Details regarding the rocket drop zones were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), warning of an "aerospace flight activity." PhilSA had disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities as part of its efforts to mitigate potential risks associated with the launch.
While unburned debris from rockets, including boosters and fairings, are typically designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space, there remains a risk of these materials falling into inhabited areas or posing dangers to maritime activities. PhilSA emphasizes the importance of vigilance among the public and advises against approaching suspected debris, which may contain hazardous substances such as rocket fuel remnants.
In addition to potential risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats passing through the drop zone, there is also a possibility of debris floating toward nearby coastlines. Moreover, the likelihood of uncontrolled re-entry into the atmosphere by the rocket's upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.
PhilSA reiterates its earlier advice for the public to promptly inform local authorities if any suspected debris is sighted. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and refraining from retrieving or coming into close contact with debris materials to ensure public safety.
Launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, China, the Long March 8 rocket took off at approximately 8:31 AM PhST on March 20, 2024. The rocket's trajectory places the anticipated debris zones approximately 78 nautical miles from Vigan, Ilocos Sur (DZ A1), 194 nautical miles (DZ A2) away, and 332 nautical miles (DZ A3) from Panay Island.
Details regarding the rocket drop zones were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), warning of an "aerospace flight activity." PhilSA had disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities as part of its efforts to mitigate potential risks associated with the launch.
While unburned debris from rockets, including boosters and fairings, are typically designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space, there remains a risk of these materials falling into inhabited areas or posing dangers to maritime activities. PhilSA emphasizes the importance of vigilance among the public and advises against approaching suspected debris, which may contain hazardous substances such as rocket fuel remnants.
In addition to potential risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats passing through the drop zone, there is also a possibility of debris floating toward nearby coastlines. Moreover, the likelihood of uncontrolled re-entry into the atmosphere by the rocket's upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time.
PhilSA reiterates its earlier advice for the public to promptly inform local authorities if any suspected debris is sighted. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and refraining from retrieving or coming into close contact with debris materials to ensure public safety.
Mar 20, 2024
