Scientists measure air pollution from reentering SpaceX rocket in real-time: 'It's never been done…
Space.com
by Tereza Pultarova February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting air pollution from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket reentry in real-time using advanced LIDAR technology. The study focused on tracking lithium—a rare element in the atmosphere—produced during the burning up of the rocket's upper stage over Europe. This milestone measurement reveals how space debris can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, potentially affecting Earth's ozone layer and climate balance.
The research team from the Leibniz Institute observed a massive increase in lithium density following the reentry event on February 19, 2025. The rocket debris vaporized over Ireland at an altitude of 60 miles, creating a toxic plume that traveled across Europe within hours. By using wind patterns and atmospheric models, they confirmed the plume's origin from the Falcon 9 rocket, which contained significant amounts of lithium in its aluminum-lithium hull and batteries.
Lithium is particularly useful as a tracer because it occurs naturally in minuscule quantities, making it easier to track human-made pollution. Unlike aluminum, which reacts quickly with oxygen and has known ozone-depleting effects, lithium's impact on atmospheric chemistry remains poorly understood. This study highlights the need for further research into how space debris reentries contribute to air pollution and long-term environmental changes.
As satellite launches increase, so does the amount of space junk entering Earth's atmosphere daily. While natural meteorites also burn up, scientists warn that man-made debris releases unique chemicals not found in nature, including lithium and aluminum oxides. These pollutants can disrupt atmospheric processes, potentially leading to ozone layer damage and altered temperature patterns.
The findings underscore the growing importance of studying space debris reentries to understand their environmental impact. This study marks a critical step toward unraveling how human activities in space affect our planet's atmosphere—a concern that will only grow as more rockets and satellites reach the end of their lifespans.
Verticals
spacescience
Originally published on Space.com on 2/19/2026