A Ten-Fold Increase in Rocket Launches Would Start Harming the Ozone Layer, New Research Finds

Near-future rocket launches could slow ozone recovery

Rocket emissions thin the stratospheric ozone layer. To understand if significant ozone losses could occur as the launch industry grows, we examine two scenarios. Our ‘ambitious’ scenario (2040 launches/year) yields a −0.29% depletion in annual-mean, near-global total column ozone in 2030. Antarctic springtime ozone decreases by 3.9%. Our ‘conservative’ scenario (884 launches/year) yields −0.17% annual, near-global depletion; current licensing r…

A ten-fold increase in rocket launches would start harming the ozone layer, new research finds

The international space industry is on a growth trajectory, but new research shows a rapid increase in rocket launches would damage the ozone layer.

Experts issue warning over unexpected impacts of new Amazon satellites — here's why they're concerned

Amazon has blasted its first internet satellites into space, and scientists fear the environment could be negatively impacted. An article by Bloomberg uses a graphic to breaks down the damage that satellites can cause to the planet when they are decommissioned and no longer in use. Though these satellites can harm our environment and subsequently human health, it doesn't seem to be stopping Amazon's Jeff Bezos from planning the launch of over 3,…

Rocket Launching Boom: A Threat to the Ozone Layer? | Science-Environment

The booming international space industry poses potential risks to the ozone layer with a significant increase in rocket launches. Achieving up to 2,000 launches yearly could disrupt ozone healing, emphasizing the need for careful regulation and fuel choices to minimize atmospheric damage.

Booming space industry could hurt ozone layer's recovery

The rapidly growing number of rocket launches could slow the recovery of the ozone layer, a NZ-led study shows.

An increase in rocket launches would harm the ozone layer

The international space industry is on a growth trajectory, but new research shows a rapid increase in rocket launches would damage the ozone layer. Several hundred rockets are launched globally each year by a mix of commercial companies and nation-state space programmes. These take place at around 20 sites, almost all in the northern hemisphere, with the most prolific launch rates currently from the United States, China, New Zealand and Russia.…