The environmental impact of launching rockets

Space exploration is a fascinating area of science that allows us to learn about the reaches of the universe and broaden our knowledge of the cosmos. And as a main facet of space exploration, rockets have come on in leaps and bounds in the past few decades. However, it is still quite common for things to go wrong. And when things don't go as planned with a spacecraft launch, it's often the environment that pays the price.

Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.

The rise in rockets

When it comes to developing rocket technology, there have been some exciting advancements in recent years.

Making progress

Starship was first launched on April 20, 2023, and many people have considered it well on the way to eventually sending people to the Moon.

When rockets fail

As space launches become increasingly frequent, we are learning more about the environmental impact of rockets, in particular what happens when things go wrong.

Soil and water pollution

Rocket propellants, such as unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA), are very harmful to soil and water sources, and they can persist in the environment for decades.

Ozone depletion

When a rocket explodes, it can release ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorine and bromine, into the stratosphere.

These substances may damage the ozone. This can have a number of negative consequences for the health of humans and wildlife.

Toxic gas emissions

Malfunctioning or exploding rockets have also been known to release large amounts of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, into the atmosphere.

When released into the atmosphere, these emissions can have very harmful consequences for local populations and wildlife.

Long-lasting impact

Indeed, some pollutants can exist for decades, or even centuries, and this can have a negative cumulative effect on ecosystems and human populations over time.

Regulatory gaps

Another reason that many people are so concerned about the environmental impact of rockets is the lack of regulation and oversight.

Criticism of the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for example, has been criticized for not being active enough in its handling of rocket-related environmental concerns.

SpaceX Starship

Perhaps the most well-documented example was the launch of the SpaceX Starship in April 2023. The rocket was in the air for a grand total of three minutes and 57 seconds.

Cloud of debris

Just before reaching the four-minute mark, the spacecraft exploded and plunged itself into the ocean among a huge cloud of dust and debris.

Surrounding areas

Later, it was found that the explosion not only destroyed the launchpad of the rocket itself, but it also littered surrounding conservation areas with wreckage.

Proton-M

Another example of a harmful explosion was in Kazakhstan in 2003. The Proton-M rocket crashed and caused contamination that destroyed much of the surrounding ecosystem.

Improve safety design

One thing they can focus on is improving safety design: by incorporating more robust safety features, rocket designers can reduce the risk of environmental harm during launches.

Improve regulatory oversight

On the government side, more can be done to improve regulatory oversight and ensure that rocket launch companies comply with environmental standards.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the continued advancements in rocket technology are exciting, but they are not without environmental risk.