The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed that debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket may fall within Philippine waters following its launch early Friday.
The rocket lifted off from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at around 3:49 a.m. Philippine Standard Time on March 13, 2026. Expected debris zones include areas approximately 162 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan, 185 NM from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 101 NM from Patag Island (Drop Zone 1), and 32 NM from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, 44 NM from Pangutaran Island, Sulu, and 47 NM from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Drop Zone 2). Drop Zone 1 lies within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, while Drop Zone 2 is in Philippine archipelagic waters.
PhilSA issued the advisory through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of “aerospace flight activity” and shared a pre-launch report with relevant government authorities.
“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space,” PhilSA said. “While not projected to fall on land or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zones. Some debris may float and wash toward nearby coasts. The possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages cannot be ruled out.”
PhilSA advised the public to report any suspected debris sightings to local authorities and cautioned against touching or retrieving the materials, which may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
Authorities and seafarers are urged to exercise caution when navigating the affected waters until the debris hazard passes.
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