Pollution Skyrocketing With Rapidly Rising Space Launches, Scientists Warn

Last Updated:August 23, 2025, 05:54 IST

Latest data reveals a dramatic increase in launches, with 259 recorded in 2024 and 223 in 2023. These missions burnt more than 153,000 tonnes of fuel

Research indicates that while the amount of soot emitted by rockets is less than that of other industries, its climate impact is disproportionately higher—up to 500 times greater than soot from aviation. Representational image

Scientists are sounding the alarm over a burgeoning environmental crisis stemming from the rapidly expanding space industry, calling for a new global regime to address the escalating air pollution. The urgent plea comes as the number of rocket launches continues its exponential rise, with researchers warning that the lack of regulation could have severe consequences for Earth’s atmosphere.

A team led by Professor Eloise Marais at University College London (UCL) has been tracking space activities since 2020. Their latest data reveals a dramatic increase in launches, with 259 recorded in 2024 and 223 in 2023. These missions burnt more than 153,000 tonnes of fuel, releasing a mix of pollutants, including black carbon (soot) and other chemicals, directly into the upper atmosphere.

According to Professor Marais, this is “uncharted territory" for humanity, as we have never before introduced such a high volume of pollutants into the upper layers of the atmosphere. The team’s research indicates that while the amount of soot emitted by rockets is less than that of other industries, its climate impact is disproportionately higher—up to 500 times greater than soot from aviation. This is because these pollutants are injected directly into the stratosphere, where they linger for longer periods and are particularly effective at trapping heat.

The call for a global regime is motivated by the fact that current international space laws are outdated and do not account for the environmental impact of commercial space activity. Scientists are urging for the development of regulations similar to those that govern the aviation and maritime industries, which would help mitigate harm to the climate and the ozone layer. With many more mega-constellations and space tourism ventures planned for the coming years, experts stress that this is a critical time for international cooperation to ensure the long-term sustainability of both space exploration and the planet’s health.

News world Pollution Skyrocketing With Rapidly Rising Space Launches, Scientists Warn

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