Falcon 9 Launch May Have Caused Damage In Parts Of The Earth's Atmosphere
A recent analysis indicates that a Falcon 9 launch by Elon Musk's SpaceX from California might have punched a hole in Earth's ionosphere.
This phenomenon occurs when rockets burn their engines at altitudes of approximately 200 to 300 km above Earth's surface.
What Is Inosphere?
The ionosphere is where Earth's atmosphere meets space and stretches roughly 50 to 400 miles above Earth's surface.
Photographer Jeremy Perez captured an image of the reddish light trail created on July 19, after Falcon 9 rocket launch by SpaceX.
Research indicates that the frequency of these holes in the ionosphere is rising due to the growing number of rocket launches worldwide.
This has caused implications for radio communications on Earth, as the ionosphere plays a crucial role in enabling such communication.
Designed for payload and human transportation into Earth's orbit, Falcon 9 is a reusable two-stage rocket claimed by SpaceX to be the world's first orbital-class reusable rocket.