The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones (DZ): approximately 25 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 19 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.  The Long March 12 DZ is within Philippine archipelagic waters. 

The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at around 10:45 AM PhST on 17 June 2026. 

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. 

Estimated drop zones of the Long March 12 rocket launch on 17 June 2026

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. 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. 

As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground. The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.