Are Rockets Harmful to the Environment?

3, 2, 1… Bruuuuuuuum! The huge rocket is going straight up leaving lots of smoke! Although not in reality, we have seen this scene on the screen more or less. Hundreds of rockets go into space every year. Is the great sacrifice of the space journey environmentally friendly for the world? If we break down the question, how is the smoke emitted from a large number of rockets affecting the environment?

The lift-off or launch of a rocket is the most environmentally friendly part of any space flight. The rest of its path until it passes through the atmosphere is more harmful.

A large amount of fuel is burned in just a few minutes during launch, i.e. at the start. For example, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket burns 112 tons of refined kerosene during launch. As a result, 336 tons of carbon dioxide are added to the atmosphere. A diesel-powered car emits about 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. On that side, the Falcon 9 rocket emits the same amount of carbon dioxide as 70 cars during its flight. Not only that, chlorine, soot or ash, and aluminum oxide particles are released from rocket engines. These are also harmful to the environment. But when rockets lift off, the ozone layer is immediately damaged by smoke and particulate emissions. Rich in triatomic oxygen molecules, i.e. ozone, this layer acts as a shield against the sun's harmful rays. Damage to the ozone layer affects the global climate.

Most of the current spacecraft are fossil fuel dependent. However, alternative fuels are also being used. For example, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin company's New Shepard rocket uses liquid hydrogen and oxygen fuel. This fuel, made up of hydrogen and oxygen, does not directly harm the environment. Instead of smoke, the rocket emits a stream of water vapor. The ozone level remains normal. The problem is in the process of making hydrogen and oxygen from water. In that case, fossil fuels are burned again. As a result, the damage to the environment is also done indirectly.

Also, not all parts of the rocket can be reused. Several parts including boosters, and fuel tanks have to be dropped into the earth's orbit. They are contaminating the outer environment of Earth as space debris.

Overall rocket launch rate is low. So it doesn't have a big impact on the overall climate. However, the number of rocket launches is increasing every year. 186 rockets have been launched in 2022. Scientists believe that the number can reach 1000 when commercial space travel begins. For this, they are thinking about ways to reduce the damage to the environment from the beginning. Also trying to make reusable rockets. Success has already come in this work. Most of the components of the Falcon 9 rocket can be used up to 100 times. However, more time is still needed to make rocket travel completely environment-friendly.

Source: Science Focus