A spectacular SpaceX rocket fireball over Europe has now been linked to measurable lithium pollution 100km above Earth.
SpaceX rocket fireball linked to lithium pollution 100km above Earth.
Scientists warn this could be an early warning sign as satellite mega-constellations expand.
Is upper atmospheric pollution the next environmental challenge?
When a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket broke apart during re-entry over Europe on February 19, 2025, it created a spectacular fireball visible from Ireland to Germany.
But beyond the dramatic light show, scientists have now confirmed something more concerning: the rocket’s uncontrolled descent released a significant plume of lithium into the upper atmosphere — marking the first time pollution from a specific rocket re-entry has been directly measured at such altitude.
