The Space Industry: A New Frontier of Environmental Concerns
Last week two billionaires made headlines as they participated in their first space flights and expressed their aim to expand the space industry. Prior to 2018 the majority of space launches served to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, and satellite launch services. Today, space exploration has grown to include activities such as space tourism and travel, with a market report estimating that the global suborbital transportation and space tourism market is estimated to reach $2.58bn in 2031, growing 17.15% each year. With this industry projected to take off in the coming years it is important to be aware of the concerns and steps being taken to address the environmental pitfalls related to space exploration.
Emerging Issues with the Space Industry
While concern over greenhouse gas emissions from space flights has long existed, the recent resurgence of space exploration has caused greater scrutiny over the potential environmental impact. Currently, there are no international regulations concerning rocket emissions and the kind of fuels used. The Center for Space Policy addressed the issues caused by the release of these fumes during takeoff, stating that the rocket engine exhaust emitted into the stratosphere adversely affects the global climate. Rocket launches are uniquely damaging, with the ability to distribute emissions into the upper atmosphere, which can remain there for two to three years.
While the number of space flights annually is minuscule compared to the use of airplane travel, the growing number of space flights remains cause for concern. In a single launch, rockets can emit between four and ten times more nitrogen oxides than what the largest thermal power plant in the United Kingdom generates in the same time. As well as this, a passenger on a space flight will generate 50 -100 times the CO2 emissions generated by a passenger on a long haul commercial flight. While the 30 rocket flights this year may not appear as cause for concern, the growth of the industry demonstrates the need to take initiative on the issues caused by the space industry as a whole.
Green Approaches to Space Travel
Green approaches to space travel are in development, with the European Space Agency (ESA) creating the Clean Space Initiative for space exploration in 2012. This framework addresses three main environmental issues linked to space exploration; EcoDesign: addressing environmental impacts and fostering green technologies; Space Debris Mitigation: minimising the production of space debris; and In-Orbit Servicing/Active Debris Removal: removing spacecraft from orbit and demonstrating in-orbit servicing of spacecraft. The ESA created this initiative with the goal of implementing an eco-friendly approach to space exploration that would reduce the impact of its activities as well as setting an example for others in the industry.
The potential for greater damage to the environment due to the space industry has been acknowledged in the United States House, with Representative Blumenauer proposing the Securing Protections Against Carbon Emissions (SPACE) Tax Act. Blumenauer's proposal only looks to tax individuals who are involved in space exploration for purposes other than scientific research.
The Future of the Industry
While the resurgence of the space industry has created new excitement surrounding space exploration, its potential environmental impacts need to be addressed. As this industry grows it can prioritize environmental safeguards in order to create a sustainable industry capable of operating in a climate-mindful world. Not addressing the cost of this industry will likely only hurt it in the future.
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