Greta Jimenez
Rocket launches are an integral part of the 21st century, but they are also a source of pollution. The impact of rocket emissions on the atmosphere, temperatures, and the ozone layer is a growing concern. While the space launch industry contributes a relatively small amount of atmospheric emissions compared to commercial aviation, the increasing number of rocket launches and the high altitude of emissions could lead to an environmental emergency. The pollution caused by rocket launches extends beyond the atmosphere, as launch mishaps have resulted in debris being hurled into nearby wetlands and habitats, and remnants of old space stations being discarded in the Pacific Ocean. The exact implications of rocket emissions on the climate remain unclear, and further study is needed to properly understand the potential impact of space launches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of rocket launches in 2021 | 144 |
| Increase in number of launches over the next two decades | Significant |
| Main pollutants | Carbon dioxide (CO2), black carbon, soot, aluminium oxide particles, toxic perchlorate, water vapour, ice crystals |
| Pollutants from propellants | Dependent on composition |
| Pollutants from production of fuel | Dependent on electricity source |
| Pollutants from re-entry | Ash, aluminium, other materials |
| Impact of emissions | Temperature rise in parts of the stratosphere, thinning of the ozone layer |
| Impact of space junk | Potential chain reaction of collisions |
| Environmental cost of space tourism | Significant |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of propellant emissions on the climate
Propellant emissions from rockets include carbon dioxide (CO2), black carbon or soot, and other pollutants. While rocket launches emit less CO2 compared to the aviation industry, the pollution from rockets is released at much higher altitudes, in the stratosphere and mesosphere. This high-altitude pollution has an extended residence time in the atmosphere, giving it more time to cause potential harm. The exact implications of these emissions on the climate are not yet fully understood and require further study.
The specific impact of propellant emissions on the ozone layer is a key concern. The ozone layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Rocket emissions, particularly those containing black carbon, have the potential to deplete the ozone layer. This depletion can be accelerated by a warmer stratosphere, which enhances the chemical reactions that lead to ozone loss. The extent of this impact is currently unclear, but it is expected to grow as space tourism and satellite launches increase in frequency.
In addition to the direct emissions from rocket propellants, there are indirect effects on the climate. The production of rocket fuel and the electricity used in the process can contribute to CO2 emissions. The manufacture, refinement, and associated emissions from rockets can have a significant environmental impact, even if the emissions during launch are relatively small. Furthermore, the re-entry of space debris, such as discarded satellites and rocket stages, can also release pollutants into the atmosphere, posing additional risks to the climate.
While the exact magnitude of the impact of propellant emissions on the climate remains uncertain, it is clear that this issue warrants further investigation and proactive measures. As the space industry expands, with increasing satellite launches and space tourism, the cumulative effects of propellant emissions will become more significant. Addressing this challenge will require collaboration between space companies, government agencies, and researchers to develop sustainable practices and mitigate the environmental risks associated with rocket launches.
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The environmental cost of space tourism
The commercialisation of space by the likes of Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk will come at a significant environmental cost. Rockets require huge amounts of propellants to exit the atmosphere and reach space, and the composition of these propellants determines the kind of air pollutants emitted during launch. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions pose an issue when it comes to rocket launches, with a typical long-haul plane flight creating between 1-3 tonnes of CO2 per passenger. The production of rocket fuel also needs to be taken into account when considering the environmental impact, as most liquid hydrogen is made from natural gas and releases CO2, and liquid oxygen requires the energy-intensive process of cooling air.
The exact implications of propellant emissions on the climate are unclear and require further study. However, it is known that a warmer stratosphere can result in faster ozone depletion by speeding up the chemical reactions that cause ozone loss. Rocket launches also pollute at very high altitudes, up to 80 km, which means the pollutants will remain in the atmosphere for longer and have more time to cause harm. The interactions between Earth's atmosphere and exhaust from methane-fuelled rocket engines have not been modelled, so the effects of these rockets are not yet understood.
The pollution caused by rocket emissions may seem insignificant compared to other challenges faced by the world and the benefits brought by the space industry. For example, the percentage of fossil fuels burned by the space industry is only about 1% of that burned by conventional aviation. However, the number of rocket launches is expected to increase significantly over the next two decades due to the growth in demand for services like satellite internet and space tourism. As the number of rocket launches increases, so too will the amount of pollution they emit, which could reach 10 gigagrams a year in a couple of decades, along with a temperature rise in parts of the stratosphere of as much as 1.5 degrees Celsius, and a thinning of the ozone layer.
Space tourism, therefore, comes at an environmental cost that is likely to grow as the industry expands. While the exact implications of rocket emissions are still unknown, the potential for harm is clear, and the issue of space debris and the environmental impact of re-entering space junk also needs to be addressed. Preventative measures and interventions are key, and it is important that space companies and government agencies devote time and resources to collecting air quality data around launch sites.
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The effect of carbon dioxide emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a significant concern when it comes to rocket launches. The production and use of rocket propellants, such as liquid hydrogen and oxygen, can result in substantial CO2 emissions. For instance, liquid hydrogen is typically derived from natural gas, a process that generates CO2. Similarly, the liquification of oxygen and the extraction and liquification of hydrogen require significant electrical power, which may be sourced from fossil fuels, further contributing to CO2 emissions.
The impact of rocket emissions on the environment is influenced by the altitude at which they are released. Rocket emissions are released at high altitudes, reaching up to 80 km, and can affect the middle and upper atmosphere. The high-altitude release of pollutants, such as black carbon or soot, has potential implications for the climate. The warming effect of a warmer stratosphere can accelerate ozone depletion by speeding up the chemical reactions that cause ozone loss.
The extent of the impact of rocket emissions on the environment is not yet fully understood. While rocket launches contribute a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide compared to other industries, the potential for future growth in the space industry, including space tourism and increased satellite launches, could significantly increase their environmental impact. The interaction between rocket exhaust and the Earth's atmosphere, particularly from methane-fueled rocket engines, has not been extensively modelled or studied, making it challenging to assess the full scope of their effects.
Additionally, the issue of space debris and the re-entry of satellites and rocket stages into the Earth's atmosphere adds complexity to the environmental impact of rocket launches. The burning or vaporization of these objects during re-entry can produce reactive particles that may have a significant effect on atmospheric chemistry. To mitigate the potential environmental impact of rocket launches, preventive measures and interventions are key. Suggestions include requiring satellites and rocket stages to have sufficient propellant to maintain a high parking orbit that prevents re-entry for an extended period, giving time to develop permanent solutions.
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The pollution caused by the production of rocket fuel
The production of rocket fuel can cause significant environmental pollution, and the impact of rocket emissions on the atmosphere is a growing concern. Rocket launches require large amounts of propellant, and the type of fuel used determines the specific pollutants emitted.
Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), also known as "devil's venom," is a highly carcinogenic fuel that has caused ecological disasters, such as in the Kazakh Steppe. This fuel is stored at room temperature and does not require an ignition source, making it a popular choice for rocket scientists. However, its toxicity has led to soil poisoning and ecological disasters.
Another commonly used rocket propellant is kerosene, which produces soot or black carbon. This pollutant can remain in the stratosphere for years, absorbing solar radiation and contributing to global warming. SpaceX's Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Russia's Soyuz rocket are among the most active rockets using kerosene fuel.
Additionally, methane-based fuels, such as those used by SpaceX's Starship, have been reported to release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The burning of computers and other materials during spacecraft re-entries also raises concerns about the chemical kinetics of the resulting particles and their potential impact on atmospheric chemistry.
Some companies are experimenting with sustainable alternatives, such as bio-propane and liquid natural gas, which may burn cleaner and produce less soot. However, the full environmental impact of these alternative fuels is yet to be determined.
While the space launch industry's contribution to atmospheric emissions is relatively small compared to commercial aviation, the increasing launch rates and the release of pollutants at higher altitudes are cause for concern. The impact of rocket emissions on the climate and the environment requires further study, and preventive measures are crucial as the space tourism industry continues to grow.
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The impact of space junk and rocket debris
Space junk poses a hazard to active satellites and spacecraft, with the potential to render certain orbits impassable if the risk of collision becomes too great. Satellites have already been destroyed by orbital debris, and the International Space Station (ISS) has had to carry out collision avoidance manoeuvres to avoid being damaged. The threat is particularly acute in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where most space junk is concentrated.
The issue of space junk is expected to grow as economic activity in space surges and the number of rocket launches increases. Currently, there are about 25,000 space debris objects large enough to be tracked and catalogued, but when accounting for smaller pieces, the number rises to the millions. The velocity of objects in orbit means that almost all debris can pose a threat to healthy space systems.
To address the problem of space junk, the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) was founded in 1993 to develop guidelines and coordinate efforts to tackle space debris and its associated risks. In 2019, the European Space Agency awarded a €120 million contract for the ClearSpace-1 mission, slated to launch in 2026, with the aim of removing a 94 kg satellite from orbit. While space junk does not currently pose a significant risk, the potential for a chain reaction of collisions and the creation of new space junk is a concern, and steps must be taken to avoid this scenario.
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Frequently asked questions
The exact amount of pollution caused by rockets is unknown. However, it is clear that the growing number of rockets will have an impact on the environment.
The main sources of pollution in the rocket launch process are the propellants used, the electricity used to produce the propellants, and the emissions from the rocket engines.
The pollution from rockets is relatively small compared to other industries, such as commercial aviation and energy generation. However, the impact of rocket pollution is expected to grow as the space tourism industry expands.
