Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: Philippine Space Agency

China on Saturday sent a new communication technology test satellite via a Long March-5 booster into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China’s Hainan Province.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch and expected launch leftovers to careen within identified drop zones: approximately 69 nautical miles away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 94 nautical miles away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; and 117 nautical miles away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 130 nautical miles away from Camiguin Norte.

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”

Potential risk

PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Rocket debris recovered in 2022.
Image credit: Philippine Coast Guard

“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 posted on their website.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” PhilSA added.

Furthermore, PhilSA reiterated its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. “PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.”