Beware of China space rocket debris in WPS — PhilSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 3B rocket and warned the public that its debris may have fallen in the West Philippine Sea. 

In an advisory, the space agency identified the drop zones approximately 68 nautical miles away from Rozul Reef and 116 nautical miles away from Ayungin Shoal. 

“Long March 3B was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China around 11:26 AM (Philippine Time) on December 26, 2023. Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen warning of an aerospace flight activity,” PhilSA said.

The agency warned the public against potential risks that these debris may pose to vessels that will pass through the identified drop zones.

“There is still the possibility that the remaining rocket debris may float around the area and may wash toward the nearby coasts in the future,” it added. 

The public was urged to contact local authorities should suspected debris be sighted.

Filipinos were likewise cautioned against retrieving or approaching these materials as it may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel. 

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