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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PhilSA warns public of 'potential risks' following China's rocket launch

PhilSA warns public of 'potential risks' following China's rocket launch

Published Dec 27, 2023 11:12 am

After confirming the launch of the People's Republic of China's Long March 3B rocket, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued a public warning about the risks posed to vessels passing through the debris drop zone.

Long March 3B.png
Estimated drop zones of the Long March 3B Launch. (PhilSA)

"PhilSA advises on the potential risks that may incur to ships, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone of the debris," PhilSA said in a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

"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 said launch occurred at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China at around 11:26 a.m. (Philippine Standard Time) on Dec. 26.

Meanwhile, the anticipated debris resulting from the rocket launch was estimated to descend within the identified drop zones, approximately 68 nautical miles (NM) away from Rozul Reef and 116 NM away from Ayungin Shoal.

Furthermore, the agency advised the public to promptly contact local authorities if any suspected debris is sighted.

"Retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel," PhilSA said.

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