PCG warns of debris as China launches rocket anew
At A Glance
- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned fishermen and mariners to avoid a designated drop zone off Northern Luzon as China launched the Yinli-1 (Y4) rocket, with debris potentially falling near Philippine waters.
- The Coast Guard advised the public not to approach or retrieve any suspected rocket debris and to immediately report floating objects or suspicious materials to the nearest PCG unit.
- China's private firm Orienspace successfully launched its Gravity 1 carrier rocket from the East China Sea, carrying nine satellites and an experimental payload into orbit.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday, July 22, warned fishermen and mariners to stay away from waters off Northern Luzon after China pushed through with the launch of a private rocket whose debris could fall near the country’s territory.
The Coast Guard District Northeastern Luzon (CGDNELZN) issued the advisory before the scheduled launch of the Yinli-1 (Y4) rocket between 10:46 a.m. and 11:21 a.m.
The rocket was set to lift off from the East China Sea Launch Area off Shanghai. A designated drop zone was identified about 115 nautical miles from Babuyan Island and 129 nautical miles from Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
CGDNELZN urged vessels operating in the area to avoid the drop zone during the launch window.
The Coast Guard also cautioned the public against handling any object that may fall into the sea.
“The public is advised not to approach or retrieve any debris that may be found at sea,” the PCG said.
“Floating objects or suspicious materials should be reported immediately to the nearest PCG unit for appropriate action,” it added.
According to state-run China Daily, Orienspace, a private Chinese rocket company, successfully launched its Gravity 1 carrier rocket at 10:54 a.m. from a launch service ship.
The publication said the 30-meter rocket carried nine satellites and an experimental payload into their intended orbits.
It added that the mission marked the first launch of a private Chinese rocket from the East China Sea. It was also the closest space launch conducted near Shanghai to date.
The PCG did not immediately report any debris sighting or maritime incident linked to the launch.
The PCG has repeatedly reminded the public that rocket debris may contain hazardous materials and should only be handled by trained government personnel if recovered.