CO2 Emissions Impact: Greenhouse Effect & Space Debris Concerns

[BobG]

http://www.nrl.navy.mil/Review05/images/05Space(Picone).pdf

Greenhouse Effect Could Cause a Space Problem

Always focusing on the negative.

Actually, the positive benefit (have to reboost the satellite less often) is limited to only a few satellites, while the increasing amount of space debris orbiting the Earth is starting to concern quite a few satellite operators. Even with more operators taking actions to decrease the amount of debris left orbiting in space, the projections reach some scary levels in the future. Decreasing the decay rates for debris (including old satellites after they die) isn't a help.

 

[Skyhunter]

The cooling of the thermosphere is probably the strongest evidence there is for the increased greenhouse effect of CO₂. The layers of the stratosphere are actually losing altitude.

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2006/11/the-sky-is-falling/

A timely perspective article in Science this week addresses the issues of upper atmosphere change. 'Upper' atmosphere here is the stratosphere up to the ionosphere (~20 to 300 km). Laštovička et al point out that cooling trends are exactly as predicted by increasing greenhouse gas trends, and that the increase in density that this implies is causing various ionspheric layers to 'fall'.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I would like to address both the impact of CO2 emissions on the greenhouse effect and the increasing concern about space debris.

Firstly, it is well known that CO2 emissions from human activities contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This leads to an increase in global temperatures and can have detrimental effects on the environment, such as melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels. It is important for us to reduce our CO2 emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

However, as mentioned in the article, there is also a positive aspect to the greenhouse effect when it comes to satellites. The increased amount of CO2 in the atmosphere can actually help to slow down the decay of satellites in orbit, reducing the need for frequent reboosts. This can save resources and prolong the lifespan of satellites. However, this benefit is limited to only a few satellites and should not be viewed as a justification for increasing CO2 emissions.

On the other hand, the increasing amount of space debris in orbit is a major concern for satellite operators. The debris poses a threat to functioning satellites and can lead to collisions, which can create even more debris. This can have serious consequences for our communication, navigation, and weather monitoring systems. It is important for satellite operators to take actions to decrease the amount of debris left in orbit, such as properly disposing of old satellites and implementing debris mitigation strategies.

In conclusion, as scientists, we must acknowledge both the positive and negative impacts of CO2 emissions on the greenhouse effect. While the greenhouse effect may have some benefits for satellites, it is crucial for us to reduce our emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, we must also address the growing concern of space debris and take steps to ensure the sustainability of our satellite systems.