Satellite-Induced
Atmospheric Pollution - GEOGRAPHY
NEWS: While
pollution from burnt-up satellites high up in the atmosphere is seemingly a
distant concern for humans, it might lead to ripple effects that will change
the chemistry of the atmosphere.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Rising Number of Satellites and Projected
Growth
- Over
10,000 active satellites currently orbit Earth, with projections
indicating an increase to over 100,000 by the 2030s.
- Long-term
predictions suggest the number could reach half a million in the following
decades.
- The
surge in satellite deployment is driven by technological advancements and
increased demand for global connectivity and data services.
Pollution from Satellite Reentries
- End-of-Life
Cycle: Most satellites are designed to fall back into
the Earth's atmosphere after their operational lifespan, leading to
disintegration due to high atmospheric friction.
- Pollutants
Released: The disintegration releases various
pollutants into the upper atmosphere, particularly metals like aluminum,
which are part of the satellite's structure.
- The
increasing number of satellites directly correlates with rising levels of
pollutants in the stratosphere.
Scientific Evidence of Satellite-Induced
Pollution
- NOAA
Study: Research led by Daniel Murphy at NOAA found
that about 10% of aerosol particles in the stratosphere contain metals
originating from satellite and rocket stage reentry.
- Study
from University College of London: Research by Connor
Barker and colleagues showed a substantial increase in emissions from
satellite reentries between 2020 and 2022, rising from 3.3 billion grams
to 5.6 billion grams.
- Rocket
Launch Pollution: Rocket launches contribute
additional pollutants, including black carbon, nitrogen oxides, carbon
monoxide, aluminum oxide, and chlorine gases, all impacting atmospheric
chemistry.
Impact on the Stratosphere and Ozone Layer
- Stratospheric
Concerns: Pollutants from burnt satellites
could alter the delicate chemical balance of the atmosphere, leading to
unpredictable effects on the climate and atmospheric stability.
- Ozone
Depletion: One of the primary concerns is the
potential impact on the ozone layer, which protects Earth by absorbing up
to 99% of harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
- Aluminum
Oxide: A known catalyst for ozone
depletion, aluminum oxide is released in significant amounts during
satellite reentry.
- Comparison
with Past Threats: The Montreal Protocol of 1987
successfully curbed ozone-depleting chemicals like CFCs. However, new
threats from satellite pollution may challenge these gains.
Additional Atmospheric Effects of
Spacecraft Pollutants
- Absorption
of Solar Energy: Soot particles from rocket engines
can absorb solar energy, potentially warming the upper atmosphere and
contributing to climate change.
- Chemical
Reactions in the Atmosphere:
- Copper and
other metals from satellite wiring and components act as catalysts for
chemical reactions, leading to changes in atmospheric composition.
- These metals
could promote the formation of tiny particles that serve as nuclei for
cloud formation, potentially affecting cloud cover and precipitation
patterns.
Long-term Environmental Risks
- Ripple
Effects on Earth's Climate: Changes in
atmospheric composition, even at minuscule levels, could disrupt climate
patterns and ecological stability.
- Potential
Catalysts for Unintended Reactions: Metals released
during spacecraft burn-up might trigger unforeseen chemical reactions,
with implications for atmospheric behavior and weather systems.
Conclusion: Need for Mitigation and
Regulation
- As
the number of satellites in orbit is set to skyrocket, satellite-related
pollution poses a growing environmental risk.
- Scientists
are calling for stricter regulations and innovative solutions to minimize
the ecological impact of satellite and rocket launches.
- A
balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship is
crucial to preserving atmospheric integrity and protecting life on Earth.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/why-satellite-space-junk-may-be-bad-news-for-the-environment-9687794/