PhilSA warns vs. debris in China's Long March 7A rocket launch

A Long March-7 rocket carrying cargo spacecraft lifts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, in southern China's Hainan province on May 10, 2022. CNS / AFP/file

China has launched a Long March 7A rocket, with the the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) warning against debris from launch.

The rocket was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft's launch site in Hainan, around 8:25 Philippine time.

Its debris is estimated to have fallen "within the identified drop zones" approximately 38 nautical miles (NM) away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and 66 NM away from Sta Ana, Cagayan.

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA has disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities ahead of the launch.

"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 said.

PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities if "suspected debris is sighted," and warned against  retrieving or coming in close contact with the rocket materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.