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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PhilSA warns vs potential falling debris amid China rocket launch

PhilSA warns vs potential falling debris amid China rocket launch

Published Jan 18, 2024 04:56 am

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Thursday, Jan. 18 warned the public about the potential risk posed by the launch of China’s Long March 7 rocket.

Estimated drop zones of Long March 7.jpg
Estimated drop zone area for expected unburned debris from Long March 7. (PhilSA)

PhilSA confirmed the rocket launch on Jan. 17, with expected debris falling within the identified drop zones 43 nautical miles (NM) (DZ 1), 40 NM (DZ 2), and 52 NM (DZ 3) from Bajo de Masinloc and 98 NM (DZ 3) from Cabra Island.

Debris from rockets, such as boosters and fairings, which remains unburned, is intentionally designed to be discarded as the rocket reaches outer space.

Meanwhile, despite the design's aim to avoid projecting debris onto land features or inhabited areas, falling rocket debris poses "potential dangers" and "risks" to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that pass through the designated drop zone.

"There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts," PhilSA said.

"Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time," it added.

Furthermore, PhilSA urged the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

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

Related Tags

rocket launch PhiSA China
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