Atmospheric environmental implications of propulsion systems
Three independent studies have been conducted for assessing the impact of rocket launches on the earth`s environment. These studies have addressed issues of acid rain in the troposphere, ozone depletion in the stratosphere, toxicity of chemical rocket exhaust products, and the potential impact on global warming from carbon dioxide emissions from rocket launches. Local, regional, and global impact assessments were examined and compared with both natural sources and anthropogenic sources of known atmospheric pollutants with the following conclusions: (1) Neither solid nor liquid rocket launches have a significant impact on the earth`s global environment, and there is no real significant difference between the two. (2) Regional and local atmospheric impacts are more significant than global impacts, but quickly return to normal background conditions within a few hours after launch. And (3) vastly increased space launch activities equivalent to 50 U.S. Space Shuttles or 50 Russian Energia launches per year would not significantly impact these conclusions. However, these assessments, for the most part, are based upon homogeneous gas phase chemistry analysis; heterogeneous chemistry from exhaust particulates, such as aluminum oxide, ice contrails, soot, etc., and the influence of plume temperature and afterburning of fuel-rich exhaust products, need to be further addressed. It was the consensus of these studies that computer modeling of interactive plume chemistry with the atmosphere needs to be improved and computer models need to be verified with experimental data. Rocket exhaust plume chemistry can be modified with propellant reformulation and changes in operating conditions, but, based upon the current state of knowledge, it does not appear that significant environmental improvements from propellant formulation changes can be made or are warranted.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Huntsville, AL (United States). George C. Marshall Space Flight Center
- OSTI ID:
- 102015
- Report Number(s):
- N-95-31746; NASA-CP-3298; M-775; NAS-1.55:3298; CONF-9408174-; TRN: 9531747
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Aerospace environmental technology conference, Huntsville, AL (United States), 10-11 Aug 1994; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Aerospace Environmental Technology Conference; Whitaker, A.F.; PB: [10] p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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