Increasing number of satellites leads to pollution in the upper atmosphere

Source: The post increasing number of satellites leads to pollution in the upper atmosphere has been created, based on the article “Why satellite space junk may be bad news for the environment” published in “Indian Express” on 25th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- space pollution and Science and Technology-Awareness in the fields of Space

Context: The article discusses how the increasing number of satellites leads to pollution in the upper atmosphere when they burn up. This pollution harms the ozone layer, impacts atmospheric chemistry, and can trigger environmental changes that threaten life on Earth.

For detailed information on Long-feared space junk has become an imminent threat read this article here

What Is the Status of Satellite Pollution?

1. Over 10,000 satellites currently orbit Earth. This number may rise to 100,000 by the 2030s and could reach half a million later on.
2. When satellites end their life cycle, they burn up and release pollutants into the atmosphere.
3. Research by NOAA shows that 10% of particles in the stratosphere contain metals like aluminum from satellite debris.
4. The emissions from satellites increased from 3.3 billion grams in 2020 to 5.6 billion grams in 2022.

Why Is Satellite Pollution a Concern?

1. Impact on the ozone layer: Pollutants like aluminum oxide deplete the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV rays. This is alarming, especially after the Montreal Protocol successfully reduced ozone-depleting chemicals like CFCs.
2. Atmospheric impacts: Pollutants like soot from rockets warm the atmosphere by absorbing solar energy. Metals from spacecraft, such as copper, can trigger chemical reactions and promote cloud formation, further altering atmospheric balance.
3. Even small changes in atmospheric chemistry can disrupt Earth’s environment, which evolved over billions of years. Scientists fear these disruptions could harm life on Earth, making satellite pollution a pressing global issue.

Question for practice:

Examine how the increasing number of satellites contributes to pollution and its effects on Earth’s atmosphere.