Rocket Fuelled: Why space has answers to Earth’s problems

The planet is burning. So does it make sense to pour billions (and tons of carbon) into space exploration? Or could it help solve Earthly problems – including climate change? On the eve of the first moonshot in 50 years, Tereza Pultarova of Space.com joins Andrew Harrison to weigh up the pros and cons of extraterrestrial research, from the space industry’s carbon debt to moon treaties, space junk and the coming turf war on the Moon.

• “Space rockets often create mini-punctures in the ozone layer. It’s a big worry.” 
• “We are flying plants into space and hoping they will mutate and become drought resistant.” 
• “Incredible amounts of energy goes into avoiding the rubbish that now litters earth’s orbit.” 
• “China is flexing its space muscles, and the West can’t afford to fall behind.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. 

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