Climate change is threatening the sustainability of low Earth orbit, with new research from MIT revealing that shrinking atmospheric layers could significantly reduce the number of satellites able to operate safely by the end of the century.
Climate change is altering the environment of near-Earth space in ways that could significantly reduce the number of satellites able to safely operate in low Earth orbit by the century's end, according to a new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as reported by Anadolu Agency.
Published in Nature Sustainability on Monday, the research reveals that greenhouse gas emissions are causing the upper atmosphere, particularly the thermosphere, to shrink. This is the region where the International Space Station and most satellites orbit.
As the thermosphere contracts, the thinning air reduces the natural drag that typically slows down old satellites and space debris, causing them to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. With less drag, defunct satellites and space junk will remain in orbit for much longer, increasing collision risks and overcrowding in low Earth orbit.
Researchers project that by 2100, the capacity of key orbital regions could decrease by 50%-66% if emissions continue to rise. The study highlights the urgent need for emission reductions and careful management of satellite launches.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, calling for greater international pressure to push Moscow toward peace negotiations.
Russia has expressed its readiness to support the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia to ensure regional stability and security.
Greek authorities have arrested a Georgian woman suspected of accidentally causing one of the wildfires devastating the island of Chios by discarding a cigarette, amid ongoing efforts to control the fires.
NATO has confirmed that its 2026 summit will be hosted by Türkiye, with Albania set to host the following summit in 2027, according to the final declaration from the summit in The Hague.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague to discuss key regional and global issues.
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