The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has received reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the media about an unburned debris found in the waters of Morong, Bataan on the morning of 05 June. The said debris was hauled 15 miles to shore by fishermen.  

Based on available information, PhilSA believes the debris is highly likely to be part of the Long March 7 rocket, which launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan on 11 May. Unburned expected debris designed to separate from the rocket before it entered outer space were estimated to have fallen in three drop zones that are approximately 65 to 79 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc as shown below: 

Estimated drop zones for the Long March 7 rocket that was launched on 11 May.

Estimated drop zones for the Long March 7 rocket that was launched on 11 May. 

After landfall, the debris, which appears to be part of the rocket’s fairing, may have remained floating in the area and toward the seas of Bataan where it was found. The proximity of the launch date to the time the debris was found, as well as the proximity of the projected drop zones to the location where the debris was sighted, and the wind direction around the time of the launch until earlier this month, indicate this possibility. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice to the public to refrain from coming in close contact with rocket debris that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. The Agency also cautions against tinkering or breaking the metal object apart. For future debris sightings, please immediately inform local authorities for appropriate action. In cases when contact with debris is unavoidable, personnel protective equipment (PPE) is recommended.