The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned the public against unburned debris from China’s Long March 7A space launch vehicle that is projected on fall two identified “drop zones” in the Philippines.
In an advisory issued on January 9, PhilSA advised the public to take necessary precautions related to space vehicle that was launched from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Island at 6 a.m.
Drop Zone Area 1 is 79.877 kilometers from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and 121.306 kilometers from Dalupiri Island in the Babuyan Island. Meanwhile, Drop Zone Area 2 is 41.686 kilometers from Sta. Ana, Cagayan, 41.37 kilometers from Camiguin Island in the Babuyan Islands and 47.844 kilometers from Babuyan Island.
Prior to the launch of Long March 7A, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) “due to an aerospace flight activity.” PhilSa was able to determine the drop areas following coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
PhilSA said it has immediately issued an advance notice to relevant government agencies and authorities as soon as the launch dates have been confirmed and has recommended the issuance of appropriate air and marine warnings.
According to PhilSA, unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed 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,” PhilSA warned.
According to PhilSA, there is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash to nearby coasts.
The country’s space agency also warned against the possibility of an uncontrolled reentry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space.
PhilSA had earlier issued an advisory to the public to inform local authorities of suspected debris, cautioning against retrieving or coming to close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
Image credits: philsa.gov.ph