Consequences of space travel for the atmosphere
Space is becoming an economic area. Studies predict that several hundred thousand small satellites will be launched into space over the next decade. This will not only lead to the problem of space debris in low-Earth orbit, but also to pollution of the upper atmosphere due to the burning up of space objects on re-entry into the atmosphere.
Last edited: 22. May 2026
Activities of the working group
- Leopoldina Lecture by Prof. Dr Karl-Heinz Glaßmeier "Between heaven and earth: space travel, atmosphere and sustainability", 18 February 2026
- Symposium for politics, science and associations "Burning satellites: A risk for the atmosphere and us?", 19 February 2026
- Leopoldina Statement for the Public Consultation on the EU Space Act, 4 November 2025
The consequences of this for the ozone layer and the climate, for example, are largely unknown. There is a considerable need for research here. At the same time, it is necessary to draw the attention of political decision-makers to the need for sustainable utilisation of the atmosphere now and to provide expert input on the design of the German Space Act and the EU Space Act in a timely manner.
The working group is analysing the scientific basis and potential in order to formulate design options in the next step, particularly in terms of sustainable space travel and with regard to the research requirements for a better understanding of the consequences of space debris.
Spokesperson of the working group
Professor Dr
Karl-Heinz Glaßmeier ▸
- Earth Sciences
- Election year 2001
Further members of the working group
- Prof. Dr Gerd Baumgarten, Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics Kühlungsborn, Department of Optical Sounding and Sounding Rockets
- Prof Dr John Burrows ML, University of Bremen, Institute of Environmental Physics
- Prof Dr Susanne Crewell ML, University of Cologne, Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology
- Prof Dr Gerhard Fettweis ML, TU Dresden, Barkhausen Institute
- Dr Janine Fohlmeister, Astronomical Society & Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)
- Prof Dr Carolin Früh, Purdue University West Lafayette, USA, School of Aeronautics and Astronautrics
- Prof. Dr Michaela Hegglin, Research Centre Jülich, Institute for Climate and Energy Systems
- PD Dr Antje Nötzold, University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich & TU Chemnitz, Institute of Political Science
- Prof Dr Ulrich Platt ML, University of Heidelberg, Institute of Environmental Physics
- Prof. Dr Markus Rapp, German Aerospace Centre, Institute of Atmospheric Physics
- Dr Miriam Sinnhuber, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research, Atmospheric Trace Gases and Remote Sensing
- Prof. Dr Lesley Jane Smith, University of Lüneburg, Law
- Prof Dr Enrico Stoll, TU Berlin, Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Prof Dr Christian von Savigny, University of Greifswald, Institute of Physics
ML = Member of the Leopoldina
Kontakt Dr. Christian Anton
