New study Researchers Find Lithium Particles from Spacecraft in the Atmosphere

A lithium cloud at an altitude of 96 kilometres has led researchers to an intriguing discovery: What remains when rockets disintegrate in the atmosphere? What is left when part of a rocket burns up in space?

Researchers have demonstrated that measurable traces are left behind in the upper Earth’s atmosphere. At approximately 96 kilometres, they found significantly elevated levels of lithium atoms—about ten times higher than normal. This measurement was taken roughly 20 hours after a rocket stage entered the atmosphere. The scientists ruled out any natural causes.

The study, conducted by an international research group led by Robin Wing from the Leibniz Institute for Atmospheric Physics in Kühlungsborn, has now been published in the journal "Communications Earth & Environment."

Tenfold increased values at 96 kilometres

The researchers warn that the effects of increasing space activities on the upper atmosphere are still poorly understood. “Despite the important role that the upper Earth’s atmosphere plays in protecting life on Earth, the consequences of increasing pollution from re-entering space debris on radiation transport, ozone chemistry, and aerosol microphysics remain largely unknown,” the authors write.

They aim to demonstrate that intensified space activities have repercussions for the upper atmosphere, which protects the Earth from harmful cosmic radiation. This is in the context of a growing number of satellites and rockets being launched into orbit. Currently, nearly 10,000 satellites are in space for the Starlink satellite internet project, with more than 40,000 planned in the long term.

Accidental find with signal impact

The measurement was achieved using lidar laser technology, allowing researchers to capture particles in the atmosphere in three dimensions. In February 2025, the scientists discovered the lithium cloud somewhat accidentally during routine measurements. They observed the lithium at altitudes between 94.5 and 96.8 kilometres for 27 minutes. Afterward, they checked using various measurement and modeling methods to determine if the lithium could originate from natural sources. Instead of a natural cause, all traces pointed to a Falcon-9 rocket stage from SpaceX that had entered the Earth’s atmosphere. The measured lithium primarily comes from lithium-ion batteries and lithium-aluminium alloys used in fuselage skins.

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Falcon 9 as a harbinger

The study authors note that discussions have primarily focused on the risks to humans and infrastructure posed by falling debris. “The case of the Falcon 9 on 19 February 2025 is both a harbinger of the expected increase in the number of satellite and rocket re-entries in the coming decade and an excellent test of our ability to monitor and detect the pollution caused by the re-entry of artificial satellites.” The scientists sent their article and the underlying data to SpaceX but received no response.

Previous studies on the effects of burning rocket and satellite components have mainly focused on aluminium, as it is used in large quantities in such objects. The reaction of aluminium with oxygen produces aluminium oxide, which has been known for decades to accelerate ozone depletion. The exact effects of lithium on the atmosphere still need to be researched.