#CC #paper on how #space satellites produce #alumina that can deplete the ozone layer upon reentry. “Satellites burn up at the end of service life during reentry, generating aluminum oxides as the main byproduct. These are known catalysts for chlorine activation that depletes ozone in the stratosphere. We present the first atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulation study to resolve the oxidation process of the satellite’s aluminum structure during mesospheric reentry, and investigate the ozone depletion potential from aluminum oxides.” #environment
on 02024-11-19concern that #space satellites might damage the ozone layer upon reentry because of metallic ash #environment
on 02024-11-19‘“Ten years ago, the amount of [ozone-depleting] emissions [from rockets] was not great,” said Martin Ross, an engineer at the Aerospace Corp. whose research focuses on the effects of #space systems on the stratosphere. “Today, the effect is still small, but it’s growing.” (...) Ross has been modeling how the chemistry of rocket exhaust affects the stratospheric ozone layer for years. (...) Solid-fueled rocket motors, such as the side boosters that were used in the shuttle program or will be used for NASA’s heavy-lift Space Launch System, pose the knottiest problems, “in that the emissions are a more varied mix,” Ross said.
Those rockets emit black carbon (basically, soot) as well as alumina particles and chlorine-based compounds. All three types of emissions can promote ozone-destroying reactions, particularly when they’re injected directly into the stratosphere.
When it comes to kerosene-fueled rockets, such as #SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, black carbon is the primary concern. “Once those particles get into the stratosphere, they stay in there for three or four years,” Ross said.’ #environment
on 02024-11-19There was a famous open letter by a famous scammer claiming that #SpaceX rockets opened up holes in the ozone layer, but it turned out not to be true. #environment #space
on 02024-11-19When #SpaceX #Starship exploded in 02023, it opened up a hole in the ionosphere which closed again in 20–30 minutes, but not in the ozone layer. #environment #space
on 02024-11-19research at UNM finding high #Bitcoin impact on the #environment; they didn’t contribute new measures of the renewable mix and admit that their estimates could be very far off
on 02022-09-29research at UNM finds high #Bitcoin impact on the #environment
on 02022-09-29#Obama rejects #Keystone-XL #oil #energy pipeline to save the #environment. The Republicans are all in favor.
on 02015-11-06