PH prepares for South Korea satellite launch

..The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will implement no-fly and no-sail zones in preparation for South Korea's planned launch of a satellite on October 26. NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said the launch is expected between 2:30 to 6:00 in the afternoon of October 26 although the launch may be delayed to between October 27 to 31. He said parts of the rocket that will be used to launch the satellite could reach the Philippines within 20 minutes after launch. The first stage of the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-1) rocket will fall within 450 nautical miles (NM) eats of Palanan, Isabela while the second stage of the rocket is expected to fall 340 NM east of Samar Province. The third stage of the KSLV-1 is projected to fall within 330 NM of Surigao del Sur. Because of the risk from falling debris, the NDRRMC will ban sailing and fishing in parts of Bicol, Samar, Leyte, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte. The Department of the Interior and Local Government will enforce the fishing ban while the Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Navy will be in charge of the shipping ban. Ramos said the Coast Guard and Navy will begin patrolling the exclusion areas on October 25 although local fisherfolk will still have time to fish on that day. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is expected to issue a Notice to Airmen seven days before the scheduled launch so airlines can plan alternative routes accordingly. "We will be closely monitoring the air lanes that will be affected and come up with other contingency routes," he said. ..