The Space Environment and Space Environmentalism
Fri 20 Nov
|IoA
Come and hear Jonathan McDowell (Durham University Space Research Centre) give an introduction to the physical environment of the atmosphere and low Earth orbit, and describe how our increasing activity in space creates risks to this environment in a variety of ways
Time & Location
20 Nov 2026, 20:00 – 21:30
IoA, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0HA, UK
About The Event
Jonathan McDowell, Durham University Space Research Centre
The Space Environment and Space Environmentalism
Come and hear Jonathan give an introduction to the physical environment of the atmosphere and low Earth orbit, and describe how our increasing activity in space creates risks to this environment in a variety of ways.
Rocket launch emissions affect the lower atmosphere, and reentering satellites melting in the upper atmosphere change its chemistry in unknown ways. Increasing numbers of satellites cause a risk of space collisions as well as affecting our ability to study and enjoy the night sky, and large satellites reentering pose a risk to humans and property on the ground as well as to airplanes in the sky. He'll also discuss the greenhouse emissions resulting from large space projects.
Jonathan's call is for an exciting, adventurous, but sustainable space future.