Debris from Chinese satellite launch may fall off Palawan — PhilSA

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Thursday said unburned debris from the Long March 3B rocket may fall off the Palawan area.

The PhilSA said the expected unburned debris, such as the rocket boosters and payload fairing, is projected to fall within a drop zone area within the vicinity of Recto bank or approximately 137 kilometers from Ayungin Shoal and 200 kilometers from Quezon, Palawan.

“The unburned debris is designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas within the Philippine territory, falling debris poses a danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” the PhilSA said in a statement.

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas within the Philippine territory, falling debris poses a danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” the agency added.

However, the PhilSA noted that the actual drop zone area might change due to various factors such as the Earth’s rotation, weather, and climate conditions. The debris can also float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts.

This is not the first time debris from a Chinese rocket was found in the Philippine territory.

In July, a Chinese rocket fairings was found afloat by local fishermen in Dimipac Island in Busuanga, Palawan, on July 26.

Last November, another resident from Busuanga town found on Monday, Nov. 7, a piece of metal that appears to be debris from a Chinese rocket Long March 5B.