Environmental impact of satellite ablation in the atmosphere
Recently I have been doing some research and I would like to understand more about this topic and how it is actually addressed by space agencies.
The ablation and vaporization of aluminium in the atmosphere produces aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). As far as I understand, the environmental impact caused by the increase of these metallic particles in the stratosphere and mesosphere is not fully understood. Although it is already known that it can act as a catalyst in reactions with inert molecules such as HCl, contributing to the thinning of the ozone layer.
This makes me think that, as humanity, we are deliberately increasing the concentration of these particles in our atmosphere without fully knowing the possible consequences. Elon Musk plans to place 34,000 Starlink satellites in orbit and has requested permission for 1,000,000 orbital data centers. The impact that the launch and re-entry of these satellites would have on the environment is certainly negative and not fully understood.