University College London (United Kingdom) analyzed the problem. It reveals that powerful pollution from so-called “megaconstellation” satellite systems. These have been launched en masse into space since 2019. They will represent almost half (42%) of the total climate impact of pollution from the space sector by the end of the decade. New air pollution continues to increase.
Accumulated pollution
The article was published in 'Earth's Future'. The research team examined air pollution produced by the increasing number of rocket launches. Also by the remains of discarded rockets and inactive satellites that fall to Earth. The black carbon (soot) generated by these sources remains in the upper atmosphere much longer than that from terrestrial sources. It results in a 500 times greater impact on the climate.
Data from rocket launches and satellite deployments between 2020 and 2022 were used. The team thus projected emissions until the end of the decade. In 2020, these megaconstellations contributed approximately 35% to the total climate impact of the space sector. This figure will increase to 42% by 2029.
The powerful air pollution generated by the launch and re-entry of large expendable satellites accumulates in the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface. By 2029, this accumulated pollution would have a similar effect to that of the proposed geoengineering techniques. It could cool the planet by blocking some of the sunlight by injecting particles into the upper atmosphere.
Regulations
The pollution generated by the space industry is like a small-scale and unregulated geoengineering experiment. It could have numerous serious and unforeseen environmental consequences. Currently, the impact on the atmosphere is minimal. There is still an opportunity to act promptly. New air pollution can be catastrophic if not addressed in time. It is up to governments to establish regulatory measures.
Leave a Reply