China Rocket Debris Poses Risk in Waters Off Northern Philippines

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) announced on Thursday that debris from a Chinese rocket launch earlier that morning may fall within identified drop zones (DZs) located in the waters off Northern Luzon, posing a danger to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels traversing the area. The debris is from the Long March 6A rocket, which was launched around 9:00 a.m. from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province, China. PhilSA stated that the drop zones are approximately 83 nautical miles (NM) from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 88 NM from Babuyan Island; and 104 NM from Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Crucially, these drop zones are located within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). "While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," PhilSA said in a statement. Details of the rocket's drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of "aerospace flight activity." PhilSA had provided a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch. The agency also warned that the debris may float in the area and wash ashore along nearby coasts. Furthermore, PhilSA is not ruling out the possibility that the rocket's upper stages may undergo an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere from outer space. PhilSA called on the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. It also cautioned against retrieving or coming into close contact with the debris, as it may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel. Amid the accelerating global launch rate, PhilSA stated that the country is calling on international partners to explore how the region can establish coordinated protocols and capabilities to protect both space assets and people on the ground.