Value chain · CLM-0184
In plain terms
This study's headline carbon-per-kWh figure for a UK space solar power programme leaves out the possible climate effect of soot and aluminium oxide particles released high in the atmosphere by rocket launches, because the science on that effect is still too uncertain to model - and the authors say this gap is normal for this type of study, not unique to theirs.
The claim as recorded
Wilson, Vasile and Oqab's process-based LCA of the UK Space Energy Initiative technology roadmap (5 stratospheric SPS prototypes, 5 LEO SPS prototypes, 25 full-scale 2GW CASSIOPeiA systems, 2022-2080, 30-year satellite lifetime) reports a programme-wide carbon footprint of 23.6 gCO2e/kWh, but the authors explicitly state that "the environmental impacts of black carbon and aluminium oxide from rocket propulsion has not been captured by the model due to the large uncertainties attached to their potential impact at different altitudes," adding that "recent research has suggested that such impacts could be potentially meaningful" and that "this exclusion is a common problem in space LCA models, and not exclusive to" their tool.
Scope and limits
This is explicitly a CURRENT-conditions assessment, not a forecast - the paper states "all values contained within this assessment reflect the environmental impacts associated with current operating conditions. We make no attempt to predict potential future pathways." It also flags a separate, unresolved possible undercount of launch events due to a mass/payload discrepancy the authors themselves noticed but did not correct.
What it assumes
The Strathclyde Space Systems Database's existing process inventories adequately cover all other (non-upper-atmosphere) lifecycle stages for this still-conceptual roadmap.
Where it comes from
"it should be noted that the environmental impacts of black carbon and aluminium oxide from rocket propulsion has not been captured by the model due to the large uncertainties attached to their potential impact at different altitudes. This is particularly problematic as recent research has suggested that such impacts could be potentially meaningful. However, this exclusion is a common problem in space LCA models, and not exclusive to the SSSD." (p.4). Total footprint stated as "23.56614576 gCO2e/kWh" (p.13 of PDF).
Basis: gCO2e/kWh, cradle-to-grave (Phase 0/A to Phase F), current (not forecast) operating conditions, explicit exclusion stated
Related records
- Answers question
- QST-008 not published in this release
Cite this
energyaperture.com/c/clm-0184
CLM-0184, Energy Aperture, as of 2022.
Connected records
Other published records linked to this one. A list, not a judgement.
- Also from SRC-016
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