MANILA – Debris from the Long March 7A rocket from China is likely to fall within two identified drop zones in Northern Luzon, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said Friday.
In an advisory that PhilSA sent to government agencies, it said parts of the rocket, set to be launched between 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 28 to 30, could fall 75 nautical miles away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 126 nautical miles away from Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
The rocket will be launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China.
"Usually, the debris falls within minutes after the launch," PhilSA Director Marc Talampas said.
Meanwhile, PhilSA has been urging the public to report to local authorities sightings of suspected debris, which could float and wash toward nearby coasts.
Retrieving or coming in close contact with the debris should be avoided as they may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
Immediate washing of hands is advised if the debris was accidentally touched.
Unburned debris from rockets, such as booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.
The uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket's upper stages to the atmosphere is also possible, PhilSA said. (PNA)
