The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Friday issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) informing them about the closure of several area navigation (RNAV) routes in anticipation of possible debris drops from the rocket launch by China.
“Due to China’s Long March 3B rocket that was launched yesterday afternoon (Dec. 29, 2022) from the Xichang Sattellite Launch Center in Xichang, Sichuan Provinces, China, CAAP has issued NOTAM B3736/22) for the aerospace flight activity effective 30 December 2022 at 12:00 p.m. until 02 January at 6 p.m,” said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio.
Based on the advisory of Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the drop zone area is located within the vicinity of Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea, approximately 137 kilometers from Ayungin Shoal and 200 kilometers from Quezon, Palawan.
“Though the debris from the rocket launch will unlikely fall on inhabited land, it may still pose danger to aircraft and seacraft,” it stated.
Upon confirmation of planned launch dates, PhilSA immediately issued the advisory to all relevant government agencies on the estimated drop zone area and proposed the issuance of appropriate warnings on air and marine access.
The unburned debris is designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.
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.
PhilSa stated that the actual drop zone area may change because of various factors such as the Earth’s rotation, weather, and climate conditions. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts, it added.
“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 reiterates its earlier public advisory to immediately inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. It also cautions the public against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
