Private space firms such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin fly devices out in space for our technology advancements. These big companies and several other startups have launched more than hundreds of rockets throughout the years, fulfilling their goals out in space.
In a new study, additional evidence regarding the damage that the industry could inflict was once again presented by scientists. The latest findings focus on the impacts of rockets that these companies utilize on numerous space-related projects such as satellite megaconstellation networks, research missions, and even emerging space tourism.
Negative Impact of Rocket Fumes
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL - MAY 19: In this handout photo provided by NASA, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft launches from Space Launch Complex 41 on May 19, 2022, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Boeings Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) is Starliner's second uncrewed flight test and will dock to the International Space Station as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. OFT-2 launched at 6:54 p.m. ET and will serve as an end-to-end test of the system's capabilities.
The latest research implies that exhaust fumes from these rockets collectively risk public health. Data shows that these projectiles can release intense rates of toxic chemicals that damage not just the human body's functions but also our planet's natural condition.
Tha authors of the study were able to reconstruct the composition of the type of fumes that the space companies utilize. From these chemicals, experts found negative impacts related to health and the environment.
Scholars led the study on the effects of rocket fumes from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. The scientists explained that the rocket launches produce atmospheric pollution that becomes vital to the environment, The Byte reports.
They added that this issue needs to be addressed properly due to the expected increase of rocket-related businesses in the future, such as commercial space flights.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, like many other boosters, is powered by a specialized fuel called RP-1. This formula, according to experts, produces compounds including nitrogen oxide and other carbon gasses.
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The byproducts created by these chemicals are what the experts consider as dangerous to human health. Findings show that each of the ascending rockets exceeds the guidelines suggested by the World Health Organization. The intoxication of the atmosphere brought by these fumes meets the bracket that the international agency categorizes as 'hazardous to human health.'
Rocket Launches in the Future
Despite the potential risks of the specified rocket fumes, Blue Origin stated that their New Shepard rockets use new, efficient oxygen and hydrogen-based fuels, Business Insider reports. The company added that its fuels produce water vapor byproducts with no carbon emissions. On the other hand, SpaceX still has not commented on its rocket fuel utility.
Blue Origin will commence its fifth manned spaceflight before May ends. Last March, the firm demonstrated the capacity of its New Shepard rocket to the public. In July 2021, the company launched its first-ever human flight with passengers, including CEO Jeff Bezos and his brother.
SpaceX had far more flights than any other private space firm. Last year, the company achieved more than 30 launches. Elon Musk plans to reach twice their previous rocket-related projects this year.
Virgin Galactic will increase its tourist flights in the following years through its reusable rockets. The company targets three trips per month once services start in 2023.
The study was published in Physics of Fluids, titled "Atmospheric pollution from rockets."
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