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submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by Gsus4@programming.dev to c/technology@lemmy.world

Abstract from the paper in the article:

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109280

Large constellations of small satellites will significantly increase the number of objects orbiting the Earth. Satellites burn up at the end of service life during reentry, generating aluminum oxides as the main byproduct. These are known catalysts for chlorine activation that depletes ozone in the stratosphere. We present the first atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulation study to resolve the oxidation process of the satellite's aluminum structure during mesospheric reentry, and investigate the ozone depletion potential from aluminum oxides. We find that the demise of a typical 250-kg satellite can generate around 30 kg of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, which may endure for decades in the atmosphere. Aluminum oxide compounds generated by the entire population of satellites reentering the atmosphere in 2022 are estimated at around 17 metric tons. Reentry scenarios involving mega-constellations point to over 360 metric tons of aluminum oxide compounds per year, which can lead to significant ozone depletion.

PS: wooden satellites can help mitigate this https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01456-z

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[-] FiniteBanjo@lemmy.today -5 points 4 months ago

I wanted to reinforce good behavior, punish bad behavior.

[-] Gsus4@programming.dev 2 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Nah man, that's just toxic hurtful criticism. Let people brainstorm and just let go of the gavel.

[-] FiniteBanjo@lemmy.today -5 points 4 months ago

Sure I admit that your mistakes were purely imaginary and we can all pretend you never made them to hide your shame.

[-] intensely_human@lemm.ee 3 points 4 months ago

You didn’t mention any mistakes though

this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2024
704 points (95.8% liked)

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