Humanity’s presence in space is expanding. So, too, are the environmental challenges.
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NASA's Artemis II crew is set to return to Earth, but their spacecraft will have to pass through a band of the upper atmosphere filled with space debris. The growing amount of space litter poses environmental challenges, including pollution and damage to the ozone layer, and requires international cooperation to address.
NASA's Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after a record-breaking orbit of the Moon. Their spacecraft will pass through a band of the upper atmosphere filled with space debris. There are 130 million pieces of debris orbiting the Earth, including satellite fragments and abandoned spacecraft. Rockets cause pollution by releasing soot, aluminum particles, and gases into the atmosphere. Spacecraft re-entry also leaves behind a chemical trail of oxides and metals, depleting ozone and affecting sunlight reflection. The growing cloud of debris around the planet heightens the risk of impacts and collisions, posing risks for communities and ecosystems. Large satellite constellations and orbital debris also interfere with astronomy and the study of the universe. To reduce the environmental footprint of space-faring, more research is needed to understand the impact of space activities. Monitoring and data-sharing must improve, and spacecraft need to be designed to lessen their environmental impact. International cooperation is essential to establish and apply global sustainability standards. This includes minimizing debris, reducing emissions, and protecting dark and quiet skies. The responsibility for managing space-related environmental challenges is shared among international agreements, governments, companies, and agencies.
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