The world is abuzz with talks of space exploration. Now, for probably the first time since Apollo 11’s historic moon landing, space travel is once again at a fever pitch.
Space tourism blasted off in 2021 with several milestones, and this year Jessica Watkins is set to become the first Black woman to spend extended time in space this year.
However, with the number of launches expected to rise exponentially within the next decade, the focus has now shifted to sustainability and the environmental impacts of these space travel programs.
What Are the Negative Impacts of Space Exploration?
While the effects of rockets on the climate have not been thoroughly examined and understood, it is reasonable to assume that a process that burns through millions of pounds of propellant in minutes will eventually leave its mark on the environment.
Increased Carbon Dioxide Emissions
The mass of most rockets is 95% fuel. The bigger the rocket, the more fuel required for liftoff. While the “liquid engines” in NASA’s Space Launch System’s (SLS) Core Stage use liquid oxygen and hydrogen, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rockets utilize a kerosene based-fuel (RP-1).
The combustion of RP-1 together with oxygen produces significant amounts of carbon dioxide during launch. RP-1 has 34% carbon content and each Falcon rocket contains roughly 440 tons of kerosene. While this is relatively small compared to global CO2 emissions, it can become a concern if SpaceX’s plan to launch every two weeks becomes a reality.
Contribution to Global Warming
The fuel used in NASA’s solid booster rockets consists mainly of aluminum powder and ammonium perchlorate. When these two compounds combine during combustion, aluminum oxide and a variety of other products are formed.
A critical study found that these aluminum oxide particles, initially thought to cool the Earth by scattering solar flux back to space, can actually contribute to global warming by absorbing outgoing long-wave radiation.
Hydrochloric Acid Production
The perchlorate oxidizers used to provide oxygen for combustion in solid booster rockets can produce significant quantities of hydrochloric acid. This highly corrosive acid is also soluble in water. If deposited in nearby waterways, hydrochloric acid can reduce the pH of water, making it too acidic for fish and other wildlife.
In a technical manual addressing the environmental effects of space launches at the Kennedy Center, NASA found that toxins like hydrochloric acid can also reduce the number of plant species near launch sites.
What Are the Positive Impacts of Space Launches on the Environment?
While space launches can have adverse effects on the environment, NASA has spurred numerous initiatives for more research on sustainable space travel.
Sustainability Initiatives
NASA’s innovation in science and engineering has been known to jump-start technologies used in private and commercial sectors, and the same is true of the sustainable and energy-efficient systems used in their programs. The harsh and resource-limited environment of space means that astronauts must frequently use technology that ensures their survival while being frugal with resources.
Air revitalization, water recovery, and waste management systems are just some of the technologies that have made their way into everyday life. Frequent space exploration activities and journeys into further frontiers are expected to give rise to even more efficient sustainable systems.
Alternative Energy Research and Development
Power generation is limited in space. As a result, NASA has spearheaded the development of several types of alternative energy systems. In fact, NASA played a crucial role in the federal response to the energy crisis in the 1970s.
Today, NASA is considered a leader in the field of photovoltaics, fuel cells, solar power, geothermal energy, hydrogen-based fuels, and power management distribution. More rigorous and long-term space missions, including trips to Mars, can potentially lead to the development of new and unique alternative energy technologies that can help solve down-to-Earth challenges.