Researchers from University College London warn that the increase in satellite megaconstellations is creating a new form of atmospheric pollution. Carbon soot from rocket launches and satellites burning up during reentry lingers in the upper atmosphere, potentially causing a climate impact 500 times greater than ground-based emissions. This accumulation of soot could act as an unregulated geoengineering experiment, potentially blocking sunlight and affecting the ozone layer. The study suggests that the rapid growth of satellite networks is outpacing previous pollution projections, necessitating new regulatory frameworks for the space industry.
