NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Rocket Debris Alert As PhilSA Confirms Chinese Launch
Photo credit: PhilSA
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed that China’s Long March 8A rocket was launched — and parts of it likely landed in the sea within areas near the Philippines.
According to PhilSA, debris from the rocket was projected to fall within two designated drop zones.
The first drop zone is estimated to be about 108 nautical miles from El Nido, 126 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, and 90 nautical miles from Rozul Reef. This area lies within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
The second drop zone sits closer to our waters — about 32 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan, 42 nautical miles from Pangutaran Island in Sulu, and 46 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. This one is already within Philippine archipelagic waters.
The rocket lifted off from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in China around 7:26 a.m. on December 26, 2025.
Authorities were alerted through a Notice to Airmen, which warned of “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA says it also shared a pre-launch advisory with relevant government agencies before the launch.
Rocket boosters and parts are designed to detach as they head into space — but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Even if they’re not expected to hit populated areas, debris can still be dangerous to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats that pass through the drop zones. Some pieces may also float and eventually wash up on nearby shores.
PhilSA also noted that the rocket’s upper stages could still make an uncontrolled re-entry — something that cannot be ruled out for now.
The agency is urging the public to immediately report any suspicious debris to local authorities — and to avoid touching or retrieving anything that may wash ashore, as it could contain toxic substances like rocket fuel.
According to PhilSA, debris from the rocket was projected to fall within two designated drop zones.
The first drop zone is estimated to be about 108 nautical miles from El Nido, 126 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, and 90 nautical miles from Rozul Reef. This area lies within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
The second drop zone sits closer to our waters — about 32 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan, 42 nautical miles from Pangutaran Island in Sulu, and 46 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. This one is already within Philippine archipelagic waters.
The rocket lifted off from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in China around 7:26 a.m. on December 26, 2025.
Authorities were alerted through a Notice to Airmen, which warned of “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA says it also shared a pre-launch advisory with relevant government agencies before the launch.
Rocket boosters and parts are designed to detach as they head into space — but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Even if they’re not expected to hit populated areas, debris can still be dangerous to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats that pass through the drop zones. Some pieces may also float and eventually wash up on nearby shores.
PhilSA also noted that the rocket’s upper stages could still make an uncontrolled re-entry — something that cannot be ruled out for now.
The agency is urging the public to immediately report any suspicious debris to local authorities — and to avoid touching or retrieving anything that may wash ashore, as it could contain toxic substances like rocket fuel.
Dec 26, 2025
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