DEBRIS from a rocket launched by the People’s Republic of China is expected to enter two areas within the Philippines’ maritime territory, posing potential risk to passing ships and vessels, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said on Sunday.
The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 10:03 a.m., PhilSA in a statement confirmed.
Citing a Notice to Airmen, the bureau said the first drop zone is approximately 107 nautical miles (NM) (198.16 kilometers [km]) away from Patag Island, 122 NM (225.94 km) away from Bajo de Masinloc, 164 NM (303.73 km) away from El Nido, Palawan, and 167 NM (309.28 km) away from Busuanga, Palawan. The second is 42 NM (77.78 km) away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, 42 NM (77.78 km) away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, 53 NM (98.16 km) away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu, and 122 NM (225.94) away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
PhilSA said the two identified drop zones sit within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and Philippine archipelagic waters, respectively.
Details of the rocket drop zones were already relayed in a pre-launch report to relevant local government agencies and authorities, the bureau added.
The agency warned that ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zones may be at risk, despite debris not being projected to land in inhabited areas. — Francessca S. Abalos