Researchers are trying to figure out how our planet might react to all these rockets launching from the earth. For instance, researchers are studying the overall blend of carbon dioxide, alumina, soot, and other particles that rockets profligate.
No proof yet that the space industry is harming the earth
Until now, there are no scientific proofs that the space industry is threatening the environment. However, it is unknown if this might change or not.
“I don’t think we know enough at this point to lay out exactly what that future ought to be,” says Martin Ross, an atmospheric scientist at The Aerospace Corp. “We just don’t have that information yet.”
“If CO2 is not where the action is, it’s the particles,” says Ross, who has spent decades studying the environmental effects of launches.
A spokesperson for Virgin Galactic said the company “is examining opportunities to offset the carbon emissions for future customer flights.” While SpaceX has not commented directly on carbon emissions, Musk has supported a carbon tax policy. Blue Origin has said its New Shepard rocket uses carbon-free fuels like hydrogen and oxygen.
