The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 7A rocket from the People's Republic of China. Handout/Philippine Space Agency
MANILA - The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday said debris from China's latest rocket launch may have fallen in Philippine waters.
PhilSA has confirmed that China has launched the Long March 7A rocket, which has been projected to have dropped rocket debris approximately 41 nautical miles (NM) from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 64 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; and 67 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 80 NM away from Camiguin Norte (DZ2).
The drop zones are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
PhilSA warns about debris from Chinese rocket launch
PhilSA said the Long March 7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 7:50PM PhST on July 29, 2026.
"Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space," said PhilSA.
The agency said that while the debris are not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, they pose danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone.
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"There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, 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," said the space agency.
"PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel."