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PhilSA confirms China rocket launch, cites possible debris drop zones

Philippine News Agency

By Ma. Cristina Arayata
September 9, 2025, 1:50 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed on Tuesday the launch of the Long March 7A rocket from China.

Debris from the rocket launch is expected to have fallen approximately 58 nautical miles (NM) away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan, 37 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 92 NM away from Camiguin Norte, Cagayan, and 79 NM from Santa Ana, Cagayan.

According to PhilSA, the rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 10 a.m.

In an advisory, PhilSA urged the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

PhilSA Director Marc Talampas previously told the Philippine News Agency that rocket debris usually falls within minutes after a launch, and that in the past, the debris was found by fishers a day or several days after the launch.

"The risk of debris falling onto populated areas is very low. There is a possibility that the discarded rocket debris may float around the drop zone area and may wash towards the coasts," he said.

The agency cautions the public against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

If contact with debris is unavoidable, the use of personal protective equipment is advised.

"Falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," PhilSA said. (PNA)