Explosion of German space rocket poses threat to land, aquatic ecosystems

ISTANBUL

The explosion of the German Spectrum rocket shortly after its launch on Sunday has sparked significant environmental concerns.

Professor Cetin Kurnaz, vice rector of Ondokuz Mayis University in Samsun, a city on Türkiye's north coast, has warned that the rocket's debris could endanger both land and aquatic ecosystems.

The rocket, developed by Isar Aerospace, exploded just 30 seconds after takeoff at Andoya Spaceport in Norway, with the wreckage falling near the launch pad.

While no one was harmed, the debris and fuel leakage into the ocean triggered environmental alarms.

Kurnaz explained that despite being designed to withstand extreme conditions, rocket materials can still pose environmental risks after accidents.

Materials used in rocket production

Kurnaz explained that rockets use lightweight, high-strength materials like aluminum, titanium alloys, and carbon composites, with tungsten alloys and ceramic coatings reinforcing the engine. Ablative materials and 3D printing are used for heat protection and durable components.

He added that the Spectrum rocket, capable of carrying up to 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds), poses ecological risks if an accident occurs, releasing toxic fuel residues and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and beryllium, as well as structural waste from aluminum, titanium, and carbon materials.

Environmental impact of rocket accidents

Kurnaz highlighted the environmental risks posed by rocket accidents, noting that materials from rocket stages left in orbit contribute to the long-term issue of space debris.

He emphasized that aluminum oxide particles in the exhaust gases of solid-fuel rockets can persist in the stratosphere, negatively impacting the atmosphere.

He also mentioned ongoing research into the environmental effects of liquid methane and oxygen combinations used in next-generation rockets.

"Toxic fuels like hydrazine can disrupt the pH balance of water ecosystems, harming microorganisms. Heavy metals can accumulate in the soil, damaging vegetation and agricultural areas," he warned.

"Exhaust gases from burning fuel can degrade air quality, leading to acid rain. Rocket debris, especially toxic and heavy metals from engine components, can contaminate water, affecting marine life and potentially entering the food chain, causing biomagnification risks," he added.

Eco-friendly material suggestions

Kurnaz suggested using eco-friendly fuels like liquid methane and liquid oxygen to reduce harmful emissions. He also recommended selecting launch sites away from sensitive ecosystems and for environmental impact analyses to be conducted.

He emphasized the need for advanced tracking systems to recover rocket debris after accidents and the establishment of environmental monitoring systems to track ecosystem effects post-launch.

He also highlighted the importance of promoting reusable rocket technologies to reduce waste and costs and advocated for active post-launch cleaning strategies to prevent space debris.

"Bio-LPG and other eco-friendly fuel alternatives could be used in hybrid rocket motors and small satellite systems," Kurnaz added, noting that 3D-printed cooling channels and other components could improve thermal efficiency.