China rocket debris may have fallen in PH waters --PhilSA

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The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Sunday said China launched its Long March 8A rocket and its debris may have fallen in Philippine waters.

"The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:03AM PhST on 25 October 2026," PhilSA said.

The agency said the debris from the rocket launch may have fallen within the following drop zones:

• Drop Zone 1: approximately 107 NM (nautical miles) away from Patag Island, 122 NM away from Bajo de Masinloc, 164 NM away from El Nido, Palawan, and 167 NM away from Busuanga, Palawan; and
• Drop Zone 2: 42 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, 42 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, 53 NM away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu, and 122 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

PhilSA said Drop Zone 1 is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while Drop Zone 2 is within Philippine archipelagic waters.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued to warn pilots of an "aerospace flight activity," it added.

PhilSA also said unburned debris from rockets are expected to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

"While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," it said.

The debris may also 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 said.

PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities if they see any suspected debris.

It also advised against retrieving or coming in close contact with the suspected debris as these may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel. —KG, GMA News