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Following the explosion of SpaceX's Starship on January 16, 2025, scientists are warning of potential significant environmental impacts due to debris and emissions released into the atmosphere. According to University College London researcher Connor Barker, the incident may have released approximately 45.5 tonnes of metal oxides and 40 tonnes of reactive nitrogen into the upper atmosphere, which is a substantial fraction of the annual aluminum emissions from meteors, estimated to be around 130 tonnes.
The "rapid unscheduled disassembly" occurred during the rocket’s seventh test flight, leading to flight disruptions as debris fell near inhabited areas. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attributed the explosion to a suspected propellant leak, while a complete investigation is still pending. Barker noted that although some debris likely fell into the ocean, the atmospheric pollutants released could contribute to broader environmental issues, echoing past concerns over emissions from other SpaceX projects, such as Starlink. Experts emphasize the need for further assessment of the impact of increasingly frequent space launches on the environment.