Public warned vs. debris from Chinese rocket

• Published date: 31 October 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has recommended precautionary measures following the launch of the Long March 5B on Monday at 3:37 p.m. Philippine time from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan Island.

The rocket is carrying the Mengtian laboratory module for the Tiangong space station, a research facility being built by China in orbit.

Prior to the launch, PhilSA issued an advisory to all relevant government agencies on the estimated drop zones, and proposed the issuance of appropriate warnings on air and marine access.

Based on the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), drop zone 1 is approximately 72 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc, while drop zone 2 is approximately 39 kilometers from Busuanga, Palawan.

Anticipated to fall within these areas are the 'expected unburned debris,' or parts of the rocket designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

These components get separated from the rocket minutes after the launch and are designed to shed over bodies of water to minimize the hazard of falling in populated areas.

The booster stages are expected...