Radiative Forcing and Ozone Depletion of a Decade of Satellite Megaconstellation Missions

Earth s Future 2026 Open access

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Authors: Connor R. Barker, Eloise Ann Marais, Eric Y. P. Tan, Sebastian D. Eastham, Glenn S. Diskin, Joshua Paul DiGangi, Yonghoon Choi, Andrew W. Rollins, Eleanor M. Waxman, T. P. Bui, Charles K. Gatebe, Jonathan M. Dean‐Day
+1 more Rajesh Poudyal
DOI: 10.1029/2025ef007229
Cited by: 1
References: 100

Abstract

Abstract Satellite megaconstellations (SMCs) are driving rapid increases in rocket launch and re‐entry rates, emitting pollutants throughout the atmosphere. The environmental impact of SMCs lacks characterization to determine the need for regulation. We utilize a global 3D emission inventory of recent (2020–2022) space activity that distinguishes SMC and non‐SMC emissions. We calculate a decade of emissions using trends in propellant consumption and re‐entry mass to project growth rates in SMC (28% a −1 ) and non‐SMC (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Spacecraft Design and Technology Space exploration and regulation Spacecraft Dynamics and Control

Publication details

Journal / source
Earth s Future
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Volume
14
Issue
5
Publication date
1 May 2026
Language
EN