NSF Takes Greenhouse Gas Out for a Spin

Greenhouse gases – mainly carbon dioxide -- produced by the burning of fossil fuels will result in a 3 percent reduction in the density of Earth's outermost atmosphere by 2017, according to National Science Foundation (NSF) researchers. But hold on, that’s really a GOOD thing, says the NSF, because lower density in the thermosphere, the highest layer of the atmosphere, would reduce the drag on satellites, allowing them to stay airborne longer.

"Many satellites, including the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope, follow a low Earth orbit at altitudes close to 300 miles," points out the NSF in a press release. "Over time, the upper atmosphere drags the satellites closer to Earth. The amount of drag depends on the density of the thermosphere, which is why satellite planners need better predictions of how the thermosphere changes."

Thus, better "predictions of frictions" in the thermosphere would help NASA better plan fuel consumption needs for satellite launches and save tons of money.

Guess even greenhouse gas clouds have silver linings.

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