Recently, debris from rocket launches, as well as re-entering debris from orbit has been falling into Philippine territory. We need to understand the physical and chemical properties of these debris, to provide proper recommendations that will protect the lives and properties of Filipinos, as well as the Philippine ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the morphology (physical) and the elemental composition (chemical) of samples from a rocket debris retrieved from a local coastal area. We performed the analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) technology. Results from this study will help in improving PhilSA’s future warnings, as well as advance the research and operation activities of PhilSA related to space situational awareness.

This paper is part of the 41st Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference (SPP 2023). These conference proceedings can be accessed for free via the SPP proceedings website upon account registration.