Philippine Space Agency warns of debris from Chinese rocket launches

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued warnings regarding rocket debris following Chinese launches that impacted Philippine waters.

On September 16, the Yinli-1 rocket was launched from the East China Sea Launch Area. Debris from this launch was projected to fall within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off northern Luzon, specifically near Santa Ana, Cagayan, and Babuyan Island. PhilSA cautioned that while debris was not expected to hit inhabited land, discarded components like boosters and fairings pose risks to aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels.

Following a separate launch of a Long March 12 rocket from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center on September 17, residents of Puerto Princesa reported hearing loud explosions. PhilSA identified a drop zone for this debris within Philippine archipelagic waters, approximately 25 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and 19 nautical miles west of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The agency advised the public against approaching or handling any recovered fragments due to the potential for hazardous residues and urged the reporting of any suspected debris to local authorities.