Debris from China's rocket launch may have fallen off Cagayan: PhilSA

MANILA — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said Friday that debris from China's latest rocket launch was projected to have fallen near Dalupiri Island and Santa Ana in Cagayan.

PhilSA said Beijing's Long March 5 Y7 was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 7:34 p.m. on February 23, Friday.

"Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space," PhilSa said.

While falling debris from the Long March 5 Y7 rocket is unlikely to fall on land or inhabited areas, it could pose danger to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that would pass the drop zones, the agency also warned.

The debris can also float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts, PhilSa added.

PhilSA urged the public to inform authorities if suspected debris is seen.

It also warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with possible debris, which could contain remnants of toxic substances, such as rocket fuel.

This is the third straight month that China launched a rocket, previously also launching rockets in December and January.

The remnants of both rockets likely fell in the West Philippine Sea, authorities said.