A Massive Experiment to Geoengineer Earth’s Climate Is Underway, Paper Warns

A fast-growing space industry is unintentionally changing the upper atmosphere. Researchers led by University College London found that pollution from rocket launches and re-entering satellites can alter sunlight, climate and ozone chemistry.

The study does not describe a deliberate programme to cool Earth. Its lead researcher called the activity a “small-scale, unregulated geoengineering experiment,” warning that its effects are limited today but could intensify as satellite megaconstellations expand.