Caap warns pilots vs falling debris from Chinese rocket

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The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) has issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam) to watch out next week for falling debris from a Chinese rocket that was launched recently.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) earlier reported that China launched the Long March 8A rocket from the Hainan Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, at 3:49 p.m. (Manila time) on Wednesday. In a statement on Thursday, the Caap said the Notam will be effective from 6:14 p.m. to 6:42 p.m. on Aug. 4. It will cover an area 40 nautical miles southeast of the Puerto Princesa Airport, from surface level to unlimited altitude.

Proactive steps

The Caap advised airlines and pilots to avoid the designated area and to take precautionary measures during the specified time.

“In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize public safety and secure Philippine airspace, Caap continues to take proactive measures in monitoring foreign aerospace activities and issuing timely advisories to protect aviation operations,” it said.

According to PhilSA, the “expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 120 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 42 nautical miles away from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.”

Danger, potential risk

“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space,” it said.

“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,” it added.

PhilSA also noted that the debris may float around the area and drift toward nearby coasts.

“The possibility of an uncontrolled reentry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” it said.