The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a warning about falling rocket space debris following China's recent launch of its Long March 3B rocket, which delivered the Shiyan-10 (02) into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on Thursday.
Shiyan-10 (02) is a classified spacecraft that could be launched to accompany the previous Shiyan-10 satellite in a highly elliptical Molniya orbit to provide better operational coverage of the northern hemisphere.
The satellites' mission was not revealed. Shiyan series satellites are frequently classed as testing new technologies and payloads for Chinese space programs.
The new satellite, according to state media Xinhua, would be "used for in-orbit verification of new space technologies, such as space environment monitoring."
The PhilSA issued a statement after the launch recommending "precautionary measures related to expected unburned debris from the Long March 3B rocket"
Officials from the PhilSA advised all relevant government agencies about the expected drop zone region and suggested issuing the necessary warnings about aviation and maritime access.
It was anticipated that the launch vehicle debris, including the rocket boosters and payload fairing, would land in a drop zone region close to Recto Bank.
"While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas within the Philippine territory, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," according to a PhilSA statement.
The actual drop zone region, according to PhilSA, may change due to factors such as the Earth's rotation, weather, and climate conditions.
PhilSA restated its earlier public advise to notify local authorities immediately if suspected debris is spotted. The PhilSA also warned the public against recovering or coming into contact with these materials, which may contain dangerous residues such as rocket fuel.
"There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Furthermore, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket's upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time," PhilSA stated.
China launched its Long March 3B rocket on Thursday, making it the country's second launch of the week.
The country launched the Gaofen-11 04 satellite on Tuesday (Dec. 27) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. Gaofen-11 04 is an Earth observation satellite that, according to China Central Television, is intended to be used for "land resources surveying, urban planning, road network design, crop yield estimation and disaster relief."
