THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a warning for residents in Northern Luzon to look out for falling rocket debris from the Long March 7A (CZ-7A) rocket which was launched at 9:19 PM Philippine Time on 13 September 2022 from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, Hainan Island.
The identified two drop zones included are Burgos, Ilocos Norte and Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
In prior coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), PhilSA was able to verify the estimated drop zones of the rocket debris from the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
While debris from CZ-7A is unlikely to fall on land features or inhabited areas of the country, falling debris still poses a considerable threat to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zones.
PhilSA reiterate its earlier advice to the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected floating debris is sighted at sea in the said drop zones.
The agency also cautions everyone against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials.
