When a SpaceX rocket created a spectacular fireball over Europe, scientists rushed to their lasers.
Sandeep K S
Feb 22
1 min read
The infographic titled "The Ignorosphere: Measuring the Hidden Cost of Space Flight" illustrates the environmental impact of rocket re-entry on the upper atmosphere. It highlights the pollution traced from a SpaceX rocket stage over Ireland, detected by LIDAR technology, which found elevated lithium levels between 50-100 km altitude. The piece underscores the potential threat to the ozone layer and climate, emphasizing the lack of regulation in this "Ignorosphere" and the multiplying effect of pollutants at high altitudes, alongside projected satellite launches by China and SpaceX.
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