Space exploration has always captivated our imagination, but have you ever pondered its potential effects on marine life? In a groundbreaking study, scientists have delved into the lesser-known consequences of the Brazilian Space Program on coastal sharks.
The global space sector has undergone remarkable transformations, driven by the ongoing privatization of space activities and the pursuit of space tourism and the race to Mars. This shift has been made possible, in part, by the availability of skilled professionals who were let go by NASA due to cuts in public funding. In Brazil, the Brazilian Space Agency oversees the Brazilian Space Program, securing the country’s position in the South American space race and establishing Brazil as a valuable partner in the International Space Station project. Originally under military command, the agency transitioned to civilian control in 1994. Since then, it has operated autonomously under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, collaborating with more advanced space programs and aligning its priorities with the governing political party’s space race agenda.
The Alcântara Launch Center, located on Brazil’s northern Atlantic coast, is the second launch base under the command of the Brazilian Air Force. It was built as an alternative to the Barreira do Inferno Launch Center, which couldn’t expand due to high-density urban areas. The center’s inaugural launch, called “Mission Pioneer,” aimed to carry out biological and physical tests using SBAT-type rockets.
However, while the Brazilian Space Program has received praise for advancements in space exploration, its impact on the local coastal ecosystem has remained elusive. The interaction between rocket launches and space activities with a certain predator, specifically sharks, has received little scientific attention. Scientists express concern about the environmental contamination caused by fuel compounds employed in rocket launches, which can result in direct and indirect risks to both the environment and human health. The transformation of primary pollutants into secondary pollutants through space fuel burning processes can lead to accumulation and biomagnification.
Driven by curiosity, researchers embarked on a mission to investigate the potential negative effects of the Brazilian Space Program on coastal sharks. The research involved deploying baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) to observe shark behaviors and tagging several individuals to monitor their movements. The team discovered a significant decline in shark populations near launch sites. The thunderous noise, seismic vibrations, and electromagnetic fields emitted during rocket launches disrupt the usually peaceful underwater realm, causing sharks to alter their behavior and avoid these noisy zones, similar to celebrities avoiding paparazzi.
Interestingly, rubidium, a fuel and element used in space propulsion systems, was detected in the muscle tissue of various top marine predators near the Alcântara Launch Center, including tiger sharks, bull sharks, Atlantic nurse sharks, smalltail sharks, blacktip sharks, Atlantic sharpnose sharks, daggernose sharks, and scalloped hammerhead sharks. Rubidium is rarely found in wild animals, but its presence in these sharks’ tissue raises concerns about its toxicity to their reproductive organs and its ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify within the trophic chain.
The convergence of shark habitat and areas of intense space program activity in Brazil emphasizes the urgent need for proactive conservation measures. The authors emphasize the importance of implementing strategies to minimize disturbance levels during rocket launches, such as noise-reducing technologies and larger exclusion zones around launch sites. Long-term monitoring programs are also suggested to assess population recovery and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
