Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Estimated drop zone of the Long March 8A Launch.
Image credit: PhilSA

Once again, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has posted an advisory regarding rocket debris stemming from launch of a Chinese rocket.

Leftovers from China’s Long March 8A booster were projected by PhilSA to have fallen within identified drop zones approximately 118 nautical miles away from El Nido, Palawan, 137 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 45 nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, and 34 nautical miles away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab

Internet satellites

The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan early morning on October 16. This launch deployed the 12^th group of low-orbit Internet satellites – and also marked the 600^th launch of China’s Long March rocket series.

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

Falling debris

“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space,” the PhilSA advisory notes. “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.”

Another China launch, another day of picking up the pieces. This photo was taken of China booster recovery earlier this year, back on August 14.
Image credit: Philippine Coast Guard

Additionally, PhilSA said 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,” the advisory explains.

“PhilSA reiterates 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,” the advisory points out.