Constant Space Launches Turning Earth's Atmosphere Into a "Crematorium," Scientists Say

"Satellites have become part of throwaway culture. Companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX design their satellites to last no more than a few years, after which they're supposed to push themselves out of orbit and burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. It's a tidy approach in theory, but one that could in reality be seeding the atmosphere with harmful particulates."

"Re-entering satellites were releasing metals into the atmosphere as they burned-up, including copper, lead, and aluminum particles called alumina. The rockets that bring the satellites to orbit are no less guilty, as a recent paper linked the re-entry of the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 to a plume of toxic lithium. A particularly alarming study speculated that the suffusion of metal particles could kickstart a chain reaction that devastates the ozone layer."

"This is just a fraction of what is to come if planned megaconstellations go ahead - and SpaceX is far from the only player. Of the some 15,000 active satellites in orbit, SpaceX alone has over 9,000 zipping around the Earth. And last month, the Musk-owned company applied with the US Federal Communications Commission to launch up to one million more."

Space companies design satellites as disposable, lasting only a few years before burning up in Earth's atmosphere. However, re-entering satellites release toxic metals including copper, lead, and aluminum particles. Rocket upper stages also contribute harmful substances like lithium. Studies suggest metal particle accumulation could trigger ozone layer damage. SpaceX operates over 9,000 of approximately 15,000 active satellites and has applied to launch up to one million additional satellites. Other operators have requested similar allocations. These megaconstellations pose significant atmospheric risks if deployment proceeds as planned.

Read at Futurism