Speakers
Description
In the Arctic, the carbon cycle is intricately linked to the cryosphere – the frozen water part of the Earth system, including ice, snow, and frost. The seasonal freeze-thaw cycles of the soil significantly influence natural methane emissions, especially from wetlands. During the thawing season, previously frozen organic matter decomposes, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane craters are manifestations of this process. They are formed when accumulated methane gas, trapped under the frozen ground, explosively releases as the ground thaws. This phenomenon is becoming more common due to the warming climate, which accelerates permafrost thawing. As permafrost thaws, more organic matter is exposed to decomposition, potentially releasing large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Earth-observing satellites provide crucial data for research on methane emissions and other processes resulting from climate change in the Arctic and provide important data for regions that are difficult to access.
However, the rapid increase of the deployment of space technology into Earth orbital environments requires a life-cycle assessment from an interdisciplinary perspective, for a better understanding of the impact of outer space technology on atmospheric pollution.
In this paper we address these complex contradictions where we look at the useful aspects of EO data in the Arctic region, and at the same time “close the loop” by addressing how spacecraft materials and systems do/could affect the atmosphere during the objects entire life-cycle, and including re-entry.
In this paper we apply interdisciplinary methodology combining engineering, atmospheric physics, and law in order to address two issues: a. the lack of data and models for a better understanding of the exact impact of space technology on the Earth’s atmosphere and the Earth System as a whole; and b. the need for more specific and comprehensive regulations of outer space activities that directly address these unique as well as emergent and/or accelerating challenges. While existing legal frameworks provide a basis for regulating the environmental impacts of space industry activities, the lack of precise data, to date, also causes vagueness in international and national laws. The unique of environmental challenges of space industry activities require specific regulations to address its impact, as well as novel and ongoing interpretations of existing laws.
The paper is divided as follows. First section looks at the up-to date research on the impact of spacecraft on the Earth’s atmosphere. Second section focuses on the Arctic region and specifically the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on accelerating climate change and deglaciation. It gives a detailed account on the life cycle and circular nature of the relationship between space technology (so-called “from cradle to grave” life cycle) and the Earth System, and its positive and negative impact on the Arctic. In the third section we discuss how ongoing research as well as existing data need to be interpreted in the existing legal regimes; not exclusively: outer space law, environmental laws, national space legislation and aviation law. This section provides some suggestions for how new regulation could be more precise, as well as interpret existing legal regimes which are applicable to these challenges.
