PhilSA warns of debris that may have fallen near Ilocos Sur, Panay Island following another China rocket launch
By Sonny Daanoy
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Wednesday, March 20, that the People's Republic of China has carried out a rocket launch named "Long March 8."

In a statement, PhilSA said the launch took place at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, China, at around 8:31 a.m. on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, it cautioned the public that "expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 78 NM (nautical miles) from Vigan, Ilocos Sur (DZ A1), 194 NM (DZ A2), and 332 NM (DZ A3) away from Panay Island."
The agency reminded the public to promptly inform local authorities if any suspected debris is sighted.
"Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space," PhilSA said.
"There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts," it added.
Furthermore, PhilSA emphasized that although the debris is not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, there is still a potential danger and risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the designated drop zone.
It said the details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) as a warning of an "aerospace flight activity."
On Feb. 23, PhilSA announced to the public about the launch of the Long March 5 Y7 rocket, which was also conducted by China.
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