Radical solution to the climate crisis from space: Is the giant sunshade project becoming a reality?

As the danger of exceeding the 1.5 °C threshold compared to the pre-industrial period became evident worldwide, scientists began to examine radical space-based solutions in order to slow down the climate crisis. In the comprehensive report published in Nature magazine and contributed by NASA experts, the technical details of a huge "planetary sunshade" project to be installed between the Sun and the Earth were announced to the public. Experts emphasize that the idea can reach a viable size within 20 to 40 years, thanks to falling rocket launch costs.

HUGE SHADING FLEET OF 5 THOUSAND SATELLITES

The concept, which was considered science fiction in the past, was placed on a scientific basis as a result of research conducted with funding provided by the United Kingdom's Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA). The main goal of the project is to block solar radiation reaching the Earth by 1 percent. Climate models show that this level of blocking would reduce global temperatures by an average of 1 °C.

According to the prominent scenario, it is planned to place 5 thousand special satellites, each with a diameter of 40 kilometers, at a strategic point approximately 2 million kilometers away from the Earth. These satellites, called "Heliojiro", will reflect sunlight thanks to their paper-thin reflective wings that open with centrifugal force. Unlike terrestrial methods that involve releasing chemical particles into the atmosphere, the wing angles of these satellites can be controlled remotely and the shading rate can be changed at any time.

MOON OPTION ON THE TABLE FOR LOGISTIC DIFFICULTIES

The biggest obstacle to the implementation of the project is the amount of raw materials needed and logistics processes. According to estimates, approximately 70 million tons of materials are required for the construction of 5 thousand satellites. This figure corresponds to approximately 1,500 times the total mass launched into space throughout human history.

In order to make this huge logistics operation feasible, scientists suggest that the satellite parts be launched from Earth, while assembly and raw material supply be carried out on the Moon. The Moon's low-gravity environment makes transporting heavy industrial materials into deep space much more cost- and energy-efficient.

TENS OF TRILLION DOLLARS BUDGET AND RISKS

Another alternative evaluated in the research is to place a special cloud of dust or engineered particles between the Sun and the Earth that blocks light, instead of satellites. Although this dust cloud method, which will prevent the "Shepherd" spacecraft from dispersing with electric fields, requires less material, it is technically considered more speculative.

While it is stated that the total cost of the project may reach tens of trillions of dollars, the possible environmental pollution caused by thousands of rocket launches is among the main risk factors. Critics warn that the focus on such global geoengineering projects should not overshadow the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.