By 
November 9th, 2022
Long March 5B liftoff.
Credit: CNSA/GLOBALink/Inside Outer Space screengrab
The Philippine Space Agency announced that rocket debris found in Busuanga was part of the rocket fairing of China’s Long March 5B booster. In addition, it is “highly likely” that pieces of debris reportedly found off the waters of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro on November 7 and 8th were also part of China booster.
In a November 9th statement on rocket debris found in Palawan and Mindoro, the Philippine Space Agency also reiterated its “sustained efforts to promote and encourage accountability among nations for objects launched into space.”
Credit: Calintaan MDRRMO
Credit: Calintaan MDRRMO
China’s Long March 5B launcher lofted on October 31st the third and final experiment module, Mengtian, of China’s Tiangong space station. The core stage of that booster later made an uncontrolled re-entry over the south-central Pacific Ocean on November 4th.
Credit: The Aerospace Corporation
Top priority
“Ratifying the Liability Convention would provide the legal basis and means to claim compensation in case of damage or injury to any property and/or people within the Philippine territory that is caused by a space object of another State,” the space agency added.
“On the other hand, while obligations under the Registration Convention are administrative and procedural, they are necessary for the implementation of the Liability Convention.” The space agency is currently working on additional documentary requirements for the preparation of treaty packages. “This remains a top priority for the Agency.”
The Philippine Space Agency said it would continue to coordinate with other space agencies and local government agencies to reduce the risks of space debris in the country.
Posted in Space News
