The Space Age has brought undeniable advancements, but with them, new challenges. A recent study raises concerns about the potential impact of large satellite constellations on the Earth’s atmosphere.
Threats from Satellite Reentry
When internet-providing satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their lifespan, they burn up and release byproducts. These byproducts trigger chemical reactions that harm the stratospheric ozone layer. A recent study highlights the impact of aluminum oxide particles produced when old satellites burn up upon re-entry. According to the study, the amount of these particles has increased eightfold from 2016 to 2022.
Escalating Concerns
This issue is likely to escalate as the number of satellites in low Earth orbit continues to rise quickly. Researchers predict that aluminum oxide levels could soon surge by 646% compared to natural levels.
Threats to Ozone Layer Recovery
The ozone layer, a fragile shield in the Earth’s stratosphere, protects us from harmful solar radiation. The depletion of this layer due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) has been a major environmental concern for decades. International regulations have successfully curbed CFC use, and the ozone hole is slowly healing. However, increased collisions in low-Earth orbit could hinder this progress.
Research Findings
In a paper published in Geophysical Research Letters, researchers revealed that aluminum oxides from satellite reentry cause harmful reactions between ozone and chlorine. These oxides persist in the atmosphere, continuously depleting ozone as they descend.
Urgent Calls for Action
The study indicates that aluminum oxides from satellite reentry could hinder the ozone layer’s recovery, which has been progressing since the regulation of ozone-depleting substances under the 1987 Montreal Protocol. This underscores the need for the space industry to address environmental impacts throughout satellites’ lifecycles, including their disposal.
