The fall of thousands of satellites puts the Earth's protection from ultraviolet rays at risk!

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol came to regulate the use of substances harmful to the ozone layer. The famous CFCs CFCsCFCs. This has since made it possible to plug part of the hole observed over Antarctica. But another substance can come and destroy all our efforts with it ThemeThemereport today researchers from the University of Southern California (USA).

Aluminum oxides are harmful to the ozone layer

the Aluminum oxidesAluminum oxides It had not attracted much attention at the time of signing the Montreal Protocol. However, scientists know that it provokes Chemical reactionsChemical reactions That destroysOzoneOzone The stratosphere, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. Especially since aluminum oxides are not consumed during operation. Thus, they can continue their catabolic action for decades. However, since they are mainly emitted by end-of-life satellites that fall and burn up in Earth's atmosphere, the problem does not seem to be of great importance. But that was in 1987.

Since then, satellites have entered It rotates in orbitIt rotates in orbit They became a legion. Researchers today estimate, in Geophysical Research LettersAluminum oxide levels have already increased eight-fold between 2016 and 2022. ModelingModeling showed that a 250 kg satellite, made of 30% aluminium, would generate about 30 kg NanoparticlesNanoparticles of aluminum oxides when it enters our atmosphere. Particles that can take up to 30 years to reach the stratosphere where 90% of the ozone is located.

Many satellites are not compatible with the health of the ozone layer

However, thousands more satellites are scheduled to be launched in the coming years. Subordinate “Mega constellations” Which will need continuous renewal to maintain the services provided outside its borders DurationDuration Age is about five years. As a result, the researchers suggest that by the time the currently planned satellite constellations are completed, at least 910 tons of aluminum will fall to Earth every year! This is enough to release 360 ​​tons of aluminum oxides annually into the atmosphere. This equates to an increase of 646% compared to normal levels!