A recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability reveals that climate change not only impacts Earth, but also the stability of satellites. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) determined that the increase in greenhouse gases is causing the contraction of the upper atmosphere, potentially reducing the capacity of the low Earth orbit to accommodate satellites by up to 66% by the year 2100.
Scientists explain that the excess of carbon dioxide in the mesosphere and thermosphere is cooling and reducing the density of these layers. As a result, atmospheric resistance decreases, causing satellites and space debris to remain in orbit longer, increasing the risk of collisions and hindering space cleanup.
“The sky is literally falling, albeit at a pace extended over decades,” said William Parker, lead author of the study. “Our data shows how the satellite’s resistance has changed due to the cooling of the upper atmosphere.”
Currently, more than 10,000 satellites orbit Earth at altitudes of less than 2,000 kilometers, providing essential services such as communications, internet, and weather forecasts. However, in the last five years, more satellites have been launched than in the previous 60 years combined, increasing the likelihood of collisions. In this regard, the study’s author argues that if this situation is not managed properly, space could become saturated.
Megaconstellations and urgent regulation
The study also highlighted that “megaconstellations” of satellites, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, are exacerbating the problem. Richard Linares, co-author of the article, emphasizes that climate change is limiting the capacity of the low orbit just as it is becoming more saturated with satellites.
Experts like Olga Zamora, an astronomer at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands, stressed the need to implement sustainable policies both in emissions reduction and in the regulation of space launches. “The article reminds us that our actions on Earth have repercussions in space. We must avoid unnecessary proliferation of satellites.”
Manuel López Puertas, a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia, points out that the effect of CO2 in the upper atmosphere is not new but has gained greater relevance due to the massive increase in satellites. “We urgently need international regulation to ensure the sustainability of outer space.”
With these findings, researchers emphasize that the fight against climate change is not only crucial for the planet but also for the safety and future of space exploration, as satellite stability begins to be affected.
What is the relationship between satellites and the environment?
As mentioned earlier, it is estimated that there are more than 10,000 satellites in orbit, although this would not be the problem. The real issue arises once these satellites reach the end of their useful life, leading to what is known as “invisible pollution.” This is because when they re-enter the atmosphere, the speed, extreme heat, and friction that occur cause the artifact to start disintegrating, releasing particles of niobium, copper, lithium, and aluminum.
These particles can negatively impact the ozone layer, the part of the atmosphere that protects the planet from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, triggering chemical reactions that affect not only this layer but the atmosphere in general. For this reason, several experts suggested replacing satellite construction materials with carbon fiber or wood, as these would generate fewer metallic residues when entering the atmosphere.
Source: eldiario.es
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