Manila: The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) announced on Thursday that debris from a Chinese rocket launch may have landed near Northern Luzon. The debris is suspected to have originated from the Long March 6A rocket, which was launched from China's Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center located in Xinzhou, Shanxi Province, at approximately 9 a.m. Philippine Standard Time (PhST).

According to Philippines News Agency, PhilSA issued an advisory estimating the debris to have fallen roughly 83 nautical miles away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan, 88 nautical miles from Babuyan Island, and 104 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The agency has warned the public against retrieving or approaching these materials due to the potential presence of hazardous substances, such as remnants of rocket fuel. Residents are further advised to report sightings of suspected debris to local authorities.

PhilSA has highlighted that unburned rocket debris, such as the booster and fairing, are intentionally discarded when the rocket reaches outer space. However, falling debris presents a risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that navigate through the designated drop zone. Additionally, there is a chance that the debris could float and eventually reach nearby coastlines.

The agency emphasized the dangers posed by the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages, which threaten not only other spacecraft but also civil aviation and ground populations. PhilSA has called on international partners to collaborate in developing coordinated protocols and capabilities aimed at safeguarding both space assets and people on the ground.