The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is monitoring debris from the Long March 7 rocket confirmed to have launched at 9:22 p.m. (PH time) on Wednesday, May 10, from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, China. "Estimated drop zones for expected unburned debris from Long March 7." (Photo: PhilSA)
"Unburned debris expected to be discarded from the rocket before it entered outer space is projected to have fallen within three identified drop zone areas that are approximately 65 to 79 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc," PhilSA said. "The debris is unlikely to have dropped on land features or inhabited areas in the Philippines. However, discarded debris may float around the area or wash to nearby coasts," it added. PhilSA noted that the drop zones were verified through coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. The agency has already alerted concerned government authorities before the launch to take precautionary measures in case of debris falling on water vehicles passing through drop zones. PhilSA also warned the public not to retrieve any debris in case of sighting, as it may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. Any debris sightings shall also be reported to the local authorities, and personnel protective equipment must be used in cases of unavoidable contact. "PhilSA will continue to monitor the possible re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages to Earth’s atmosphere," it said.