The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch of the Long March 8A rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 120 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan and 42 NM away from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur.
The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 3:49 PM PhST on 30 July 2025.
Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.
Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. 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.
PhilSA reiterated its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with the materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
