BBC Inside Science
How green is space travel?
Oct 24, 2024
Eloise Moray, an expert in atmospheric emissions, discusses the overlooked carbon footprint of space travel compared to traditional transport. Richard Lowe highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices in the booming space industry. Sean Fitzgerald shares insights on innovative experiments aimed at refreezing Arctic sea ice. Zoe Thomas reveals fascinating evidence of an ancient rainforest in the Falkland Islands, while David Steele addresses the concerning decline in seabird populations and conservation efforts on the Isle of May.
28:12
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Quick takeaways
- Rocket launches emit harmful pollutants at high altitudes, significantly impacting climate change and ozone layer depletion compared to aviation emissions.
- The space industry must establish comprehensive regulations and explore cleaner technologies to mitigate environmental consequences as launches increase.
Deep dives
The Environmental Impact of Rocket Emissions
Rocket launches involve burning various types of fuel which generate several harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides, black carbon, and chlorine gas. These pollutants are released at significant altitudes, reaching layers of the atmosphere that aircraft emissions do not reach, which raises concerns about their potential effects on climate change and ozone layer depletion. The space industry, though smaller in scale than aviation, is expanding rapidly, with over 200 launches recorded in the previous year. As the industry grows, there is increasing awareness of the environmental implications, prompting discussions on regulation and sustainable practices to mitigate these harmful effects.
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