8 hours agoShareSaveMaddie MolloyBBC Climate & Science reporterShareSaveThe rise of space tourism has prompted criticism that it is too exclusive and environmentally damaging.Supporters argue that private companies are accelerating innovation and making space more accessible.Professor Brian Cox told the BBC in 2024: “Our civilisation needs to expand beyond our planet for so many reasons,” and believes that collaboration between NASA and commercial firms is a positive step.Rocket engine exhaust contains gases and particles that can affect Earth’s climate and ozone layer.On its web page under the title “Protecting our Planet” Blue Origin claims “During flight, the only byproduct of New Shepard’s engine combustion is water vapor with no carbon emissions.”However, Eloise Marais, a professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality at University College London points out that water vapour too is a greenhouse gas and is a chemical that is not supposed to be in the upper layers of the atmosphere.”It alters the chemistry of the stratosphere, depleting the ozone layer, and also forms clouds that affect climate,” she says.Experts say that as more and more rockets are launched, the risks of harming the ozone layer increases.High-cost tourismThe high cost of space tourism makes it inaccessible to most people, with these expensive missions out of reach for the majority.Critics, including actress Olivia Munn, questioned the optics of this particular venture, remarking “there’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs,” during an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends.Astronaut Tim Peake has defended the value of human space travel, especially in relation to tackling global issues such as climate change.At the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Peake voiced his disappointment that space exploration was increasingly seen as a pursuit for the wealthy, stating: “I personally am a fan of using space for science and for the benefit of everybody back on Earth, so in that respect, I feel disappointed that space is being tarred with that brush.”Additonal reporting by Victoria Gill and Kate Stephens, BBC Climate and Science. …
