Rocket launches and space debris could add 3,000 metric tons of pollution to the atmosphere by 2030.

Rocket launches and space debris are contributing to atmospheric pollution, a concern often overlooked in environmental discussions. By the end of the decade, the amount of space junk reentering Earth's atmosphere is expected to reach up to 3,000 metric tons, with most of it vaporizing and releasing carbon and metals. The space industry, primarily using fossil fuels for launches, is set to orbit over 100,000 satellites, potentially causing a 650% increase in pollution from rocket launches and burning debris, posing a significant environmental risk.

November 17, 2024
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