N@N

Climate footprint of space exploration is passing below the radar

The article from The Hindu discusses the environmental impact of space exploration, highlighting that while the focus is often on the technological and scientific advancements, the ecological footprint of these activities is frequently overlooked. It points out that the carbon emissions from rocket launches, the energy-intensive operations of space missions, and the production of space hardware contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The article mentions that although the space sector's contribution to global emissions is relatively small compared to other industries, the rapid growth of space activities, including satellite launches and space tourism, could amplify its environmental impact. Furthermore, it discusses the lack of comprehensive studies on the full lifecycle emissions of space missions, from manufacturing to launch and operation. The piece also touches on the efforts by some space agencies and companies to mitigate their environmental impact through innovations like greener fuels and more efficient spacecraft designs, but emphasizes the need for a broader, more systematic approach to assess and reduce the climate footprint of space exploration.

Read the Full The Hindu Article at:
[ https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/climate-footprint-of-space-exploration-is-passing-below-the-radar/article68972934.ece ]