PhilSA logo – Photo from Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said debris from China’s latest Long March 5 rocket launch may have fallen in Philippine waters.
In an advisory issued Saturday, PhilSA said debris was projected to have fallen approximately “69 nautical miles away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 94 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; and 117 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 130 NM away from Camiguin Norte.”
Both drop zones are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), PhilSA noted.
The Long March 5 rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan at around 8:30 p.m. on December 20, 2025.
PhilSA said details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”
The agency disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.
“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.
PhilSA added that there is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts.
“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,” the agency said.
PhilSA reiterated its public advisory to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and cautioned against retrieving or coming in close contact with the rocket materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.