The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said that it is monitoring unburned debris that may have fallen approximately 398 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc during the launch of the Long March 4C rocket into space on Friday afternoon, March 31.

It was launched from Jiuquan Space Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, at 2:27 p.m. (PH time) and debris that was discarded before it entered outer space was projected to have landed in said area, the space agency said in a statement.

The estimated drop zone coordinates verified with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines were: 17 48 00N 115 23 00E, 17 34 00N 114 52 00E, 17 41 15N 114 48 24E, and 18 11 56N 115 12 54E.

Courtesy of PhilSA

"The debris is unlikely to have dropped on land features or inhabited areas within the Philippine territory. However, discarded debris may float around the area or wash to nearby coasts," it added.

PhilSA also warned the public to avoid retrieving debris that "may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel."

"Long March 4C is known to carry toxic chemicals such as fuel. PhilSA cautions everyone against retrieving or coming in close contact with debris that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. Personnel protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when contact with the debris is unavoidable. PhilSA also advises the public to avoid retrieving sighted debris and instead immediately inform local authorities for appropriate action," it said.

Before the launch, PhilSA said that it had already advised the concerned government authorities regarding the risks of falling debris to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone area.

PhilSA also recommended the issuance of warnings and temporary restrictions in said areas.