Spacetravel climatefears

Space tourism may have a greater impact on climate change than the aviation industry if it is unregulated, new research suggests.

According to the study, soot particles emitted by rockets are almost 500 times more efficient at holding heat in the atmosphere than other sources combined.

Researchers from the UK and the US explored the impact of rocket launches and re-entry. They also looked at the potential impact of space tourism based on the billionaire space race. Study co-author Dr Eloise Marais, of University College London, said: “Soot particles from rocket launches have a much larger climate effect than aircraft and other Earth-bound sources.”