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PhilSA Confirms Chinese Rocket Debris May Have Fallen Near Northern PH Waters
Photo credit: PhilSA
Heads up, northern Philippines! The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed that debris from China’s Long March 7A rocket may have fallen within Philippine maritime zones after its launch earlier today, November 3, 2025.
The rocket blasted off from Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China, at around 11:47 AM (PhST). Based on tracking data, debris was expected to land within designated drop zones — about 67 nautical miles from Dalapuri Island (Cagayan), 44 NM from Burgos (Ilocos Norte), 75 NM from Camiguin Norte (Cagayan), and 63 NM from Santa Ana (Cagayan).
PhilSA said the launch had been coordinated in advance through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), warning of “aerospace flight activity” in those areas. The agency also shared a pre-launch advisory with other government bodies to ensure monitoring and safety preparedness.
While these discarded parts — like the rocket’s boosters and fairings — are meant to detach and burn up as the rocket enters space, not all fragments disintegrate completely.
Some could survive re-entry and pose risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing vessels passing through the drop zones. There’s even a chance that some debris could drift and wash ashore along nearby coastlines.
PhilSA also warned of a possible uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages from orbit — though this remains uncertain for now.
The agency is urging the public:
• If you spot any suspected rocket debris, report it immediately to local authorities.
• Do NOT touch or attempt to collect any fragments, as they might contain toxic substances like rocket fuel residue.
“Public safety remains our top priority,” PhilSA reminded. “Always keep a safe distance and let trained authorities handle any space-related debris.”
The rocket blasted off from Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China, at around 11:47 AM (PhST). Based on tracking data, debris was expected to land within designated drop zones — about 67 nautical miles from Dalapuri Island (Cagayan), 44 NM from Burgos (Ilocos Norte), 75 NM from Camiguin Norte (Cagayan), and 63 NM from Santa Ana (Cagayan).
PhilSA said the launch had been coordinated in advance through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), warning of “aerospace flight activity” in those areas. The agency also shared a pre-launch advisory with other government bodies to ensure monitoring and safety preparedness.
While these discarded parts — like the rocket’s boosters and fairings — are meant to detach and burn up as the rocket enters space, not all fragments disintegrate completely.
Some could survive re-entry and pose risks to ships, aircraft, and fishing vessels passing through the drop zones. There’s even a chance that some debris could drift and wash ashore along nearby coastlines.
PhilSA also warned of a possible uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages from orbit — though this remains uncertain for now.
The agency is urging the public:
• If you spot any suspected rocket debris, report it immediately to local authorities.
• Do NOT touch or attempt to collect any fragments, as they might contain toxic substances like rocket fuel residue.
“Public safety remains our top priority,” PhilSA reminded. “Always keep a safe distance and let trained authorities handle any space-related debris.”
Nov 3, 2025
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