![File: Space debris, like this defunct satellite, is less likely to fall to Earth because of increased CO2 emissions.]({"default":"http://col.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/83/B5FC4DD43EDEF6A49226FDD564CC_h366_w650_m6_lfalse.jpg","fill":"http://col.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/83/B5FC4DD43EDEF6A49226FDD564CC_h338_w600_m6_lfalse.jpg","snap":"http://col.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/83/B5FC4DD43EDEF6A49226FDD564CC_h210_w320_m6_lfalse.jpg"} "File: Space debris, like this defunct satellite, is less likely to fall to Earth because of increased CO2 emissions. (Reuters: NASA)")
Global warming prevents space trash from falling to
Earth; instead the debris floats free longer in the atmosphere, creating
greater risk for working satellites and space missions.
LONDON - More satellites and orbiting debris could collide in the upper atmosphere because a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) has reduced the "drag effect" which can eventually send some space junk back down to Earth, a study shows.
Over the past eight years CO2 concentrations in the upper atmosphere have risen from burning fossil fuels that have warmed the Earth's surface and caused temperatures to increase, the study in the journal Nature Geoscience said.
This can result in a cooler, less dense atmosphere above a 90-km (55-mile) altitude, the study said, adding that this "will reduce atmospheric drag on satellites and may have adverse consequences for the orbital debris environment that is already unstable."
Less drag, or friction, in the upper atmosphere means space debris, such as redundant satellites and defunct rocket bodies, will stay at a certain altitude for longer, increasing the risk of collisions.
http://news.msn.com/science-technology/space-collisions-could-rise-due-to-more-co2
No comments:
Post a Comment