Explosions Heard In Palawan As Philippine Space Agency Confirms China Rocket Launch
According to the Philippine Space Agency, the Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at around 6:21 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4.
Explosions were heard in Puerto Princes and nearby areas in Palawan on Monday night, Aug. 4, as the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the China.
“Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 21 NM (nautical miles) away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan and 18 NM (nautical miles) away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park,” PhilSA said in an advisory.
A report from Brigada News FM said residents were alarmed as the ground shook because of the explosions.
According to PhilSA, the Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at around 6:21 p.m. on Monday. It did not say if the explosions heard and the fiery object seen in Palawan sky were related to China’s rocket launch.
The PhilSA said details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a notice to airmen or 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 fairing, 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,” PhilSA said.
“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,” it added.
PhilSA reiterated its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris was sighted. It also cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that might contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.
