London (Web Desk): A new study has revealed that black carbon particles released during rocket launches remain in the upper layers of the atmosphere for much longer than soot produced on Earth.
According to the research led by University College London, pollution generated during the launch of mega-constellations consisting of hundreds or thousands of satellites could have climatic impacts on Earth that are not yet fully understood, though experts warn these effects could be highly serious.
The study’s lead author and atmospheric chemistry expert Connor Barker said rocket launches are a unique source of pollution because they directly inject harmful chemical substances into the upper layers of the atmosphere, adding pollution to otherwise relatively clean regions.
The report states that since 2019, the number of rocket launches has increased significantly, and this trend is rapidly accelerating. Experts estimate that the number of launches this year could surpass previous records.
The increase is largely driven by various space missions and satellite projects, with private companies playing a major role. China and other countries are also rapidly expanding their space programs, contributing to the steady rise in global rocket launches.