In a recent liftoff to add to Starlink's 4000-strong satellite constellation, Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 19.
While the mission aimed to propel a payload into orbit, it has since sparked concern among scientists. Independent.co reports that a new analysis suggests that such rocket launches may be punching "holes" in the Earth's ionosphere.
As global rocket launches increase, so do the instances of these ionospheric disruptions, with potential impacts on radio communications and navigation systems.
The Ionospheric "Hole" Phenomenon
According to NASA, the ionosphere comprises electrically charged particles that sit 10-400 miles above the planet's surface. Consisting of plasma with electrically charged particles, it plays a crucial role in enabling radio communications and GPS signals on Earth.
It is a dynamic layer affected by solar conditions and divided into sub-regions known as D, E, and F.
Rocket launches, mainly when engines burn at altitudes of 120 to 190 miles above the Earth's surface, can create "holes" in this vital layer.
Experts explain that the exhaust flames from fast-moving rockets, which release water and carbon dioxide, interfere with the ionization process, especially in the F-layer, which has the highest electron density.
This disruption is evident in the signature red color emitted as oxygen ions react with rocket exhaust electrons, akin to the red-auroras.
Rockets' Shockwaves
As rockets propel through the ionosphere, they generate shockwaves and disturbances that move faster than the speed of sound.
According to the study at hand, this motion can trigger shock acoustic waves (SAWs), as seen in a previous SpaceX Falcon 9 launch in August 2017. During that mission, carrying Taiwan's FORMOSAT-5 satellite, circular SAWs were observed approximately five minutes after liftoff.
The shockwaves covered an expansive area from 114 to 128 degrees west in longitude and 26 to 39 degrees north in latitude, spanning around 1,500 kilometers in diameter.
While the circular SAWs from the Falcon 9 launch did not significantly affect Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), experts note that the plasma hole resulting from the rocket's exhaust did introduce minor positioning errors.
According to researchers, the ionospheric irregularities caused by the hole could lead to discrepancies of up to 1 meter in positioning. While this might not pose a major concern for daily navigation, it emphasizes the need for further study and consideration as rocket launches become more frequent.
Growing Concerns and Previous Incidents
The phenomenon of rocket-induced ionospheric holes has raised concerns among scientists, notably as rocket missions surge in number worldwide. SpaceX alone has already launched 49 rockets this year.
Independent reports that space physicist Jeff Baumgardner from Boston University acknowledges the possibility of the Falcon 9 launch causing an ionospheric hole, echoing a sentiment observed during the FORMOSAT-5 satellite launch.
Scientists urge space agencies and private enterprises to continue researching and monitoring the consequences of rocket launches on the ionosphere.
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