The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a warning following the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, alerting the public to potential debris falling near Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island. The rocket, launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, took off at approximately 10:42 AM local time on November 10. PhilSA noted that the anticipated debris might land roughly 54 kilometers from Puerto Princesa and 37 kilometers from the Tubbataha Reef National Park. The agency sent out a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding ‘aerospace activity’ and urged the public to report any suspicious objects and refrain from handling them due to possible fuel remnants and toxic substances. While a fall in populated areas is unlikely, PhilSA warned that debris could drift ashore, posing a hazard to ships and fishing boats. Additionally, there is a chance of uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages into the atmosphere.
Background and Context
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the issue of space debris management. As countries continue to expand their space operations, the challenges posed by leftover rocket bodies and fragmented components become more pressing. This incident highlights the broader implications for both terrestrial and orbital safety.
Recent Developments
Amid this incident, a related event in space has captured attention: three Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-20 mission-Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie-had to delay their return to Earth due to suspected damage to their spacecraft by space debris. The crew has been stationed aboard the Tiangong space station since April 2025 and was originally scheduled to return on November 5. However, their return has been postponed pending thorough risk analysis and assessment.
Industry Insight
The risk posed by space debris affects not only the safety of those on Earth but also the safety of crewed missions in orbit. This increasing threat underscores the need for improved space traffic management and debris mitigation strategies. Efforts are underway internationally to address these issues, including advancements in tracking technology and more stringent regulations on space launches.
