Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) of the Philippines have issued a “rocket Launch Advisory.”

The NDRRMC cautions the public for the possible falling of debris from the People’s Republic of China’s Long March 7 rocket that is scheduled to be launched July 15-17.

The Chinese rocket is topped by the uncrewed Tianzhou-9 space station supply ship to be launched from Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan with parts of the rocket expected to drop within a set of identified drop zones.

Tianzhou-9 is carrying 6.5 tons of food, water, fuel and scientific equipment. Being used is a Long March-7 Y10 booster to loft the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft. This supply ship carries the highest payload weight, carrying hundreds more of kilograms than its predecessors.

Image credit: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

Toxic fuel

The Philippine Space Agency cautions everyone against retrieving or coming near these materials “to minimize risk from remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.”

The public is advised to immediately inform local authorities of any suspected debris sighted at sea or land.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) NAMRIA are advised “to consider temporary restrictions and the issuance of Notice to Mariners, Coastal Navigational Warnings, or NAVAREA XI warnings as applicable in the identified drop zones.”